Jo Jung-sik: "Inter-Korean Relations, With the Spirit of Yugongyishan... The National Assembly Will Fulfill Its Responsibility"

Congratulatory Speech at the 26th Anniversary of the June 15 Joint Declaration

Emphasizing "Peace is the Economy and People's Livelihood"

Jo Jung-sik, Speaker of the National Assembly, stated on the 15th, "Based on the National Assembly's diplomatic efforts for the national interest, I will strive to bring warmth to the frozen inter-Korean relations."

In his congratulatory speech at the 26th anniversary ceremony of the June 15th North-South Summit, held at the Kim Dae-jung Library at Yonsei University in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Speaker Jo said, "Regrettably, our current reality seems to have reverted to a time before 26 years ago." He continued, "Although the government led by President Lee Jae-myung, a people's sovereignty government, is making significant efforts to restore inter-Korean relations, the channels for dialogue remain closed, and tensions persist. This is the situation we face today."

Jo Jung-sik, Speaker of the National Assembly, delivering a congratulatory speech at the June 15th North-South Summit Commemoration Ceremony. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

He went on to say, "President Kim Dae-jung once said, 'Miracles do not happen like miracles.' We can start again. With the spirit of 'Yugong Yishan' (the foolish old man moves mountains), let us steadfastly and persistently build a mountain of peace and kindle the spark of hope."

On this day, Speaker Jo also emphasized, "Peace is both the economy and people's livelihoods." He added, "I believe that peace is the key to providing the residents of border regions with peaceful daily lives, offering new growth opportunities to businesses, giving hope to young people to prepare for their future, and ushering in the era of the Korea Premium."

Speaker Jo concluded, "I hope that today's event will serve as the catalyst for our peace. The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea will fulfill its responsibility. We will do everything we can."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.