By Kim Hyelin

President Lee Jae Myung on Aug. 18 urged relevant ministries to prepare for phased implementation of inter-Korean agreements beginning with the most feasible actions.

In an opening speech to the first Cabinet meeting on Ulchi Freedom Shield, a joint military exercise with the U.S., that he chaired at the Office of the President in Seoul, he said, "Amid the rapidly changing external environment, inter-Korean relations are crucial for safeguarding our national interests and broadening our diplomatic space."

"A truly competent security is one that preserves peace," he added. "What we need now is the courage to steadily take steps toward easing tension while maintaining a posture of firm and ironclad readiness."

"When small actions accumulate like pebbles, mutual trust will be restored, the path to peace broadened and the foundation laid for both Koreas to grow together."

Turning to the military drill that began on the same day, President Lee said, "The concept of security is undergoing major change due to the reconfiguration of the international order, rapid development of new technologies including artificial intelligence and climate change," adding, "Beyond traditional military threats, our situation calls for integrated security capabilities to cope with complex crises involving economic, technological and environmental factors."

"Through this Ulchi exercise, I hope to closely examine our security posture and raise the nation's overall capacity for crisis management."

kimhyelin211@korea.kr