Based on the progress in inter-Korean relations made so far, the Lee Myung-bak Administration will focus on the successful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue and establishment of a lasting peace. Resolving the North Korean nuclear issue is crucial to peace on the Korean Peninsula. It is a critical link in the progress toward peace and economic development. For economic exchanges and cooperation between the two Koreas to advance, peace must be wrought, and in turn, economic cooperation will advance the establishment of peace.
Peace on the Korean Peninsula has rested on a cease-fire agreement for more than half of a century. First, the Administration will focus on bringing the ongoing talks over the North Korean nuclear issue to a successful conclusion. At the same time, it will work to realistically and systematically replace the armistice agreement with a permanent peace structure.
In particular, the Administration will work with the international community to spearhead an inter-Korean economic community, based on the "non-nuclear, openness, 3000" plan that entails reciprocity between the two Koreas. Also, the Administration will work to reinforce friendly relations with the United States and Japan for successful Six-Party Talks and expand cooperation with China and Russia. The Administration will pursue a great transformation of the old framework through future-oriented thinking and actions, so as to achieve a global Korea that contributes to world peace, democracy and co-prosperity; a Korea that breathes in unison with the world.