President Lee Jae Myung on March 1 gives a speech to mark March First Independence Movement Day at COEX Mall in Seoul's Gangnam-gu District. (Cheong Wa Dae)

By Lee Jihae

President Lee Jae Myung on March 1 said he respects North Korea's system and will maintain cooperative relations with Japan.

"We will continue efforts to resume dialogue with the North," he said in a speech at a ceremony marking March First Independence Movement Day at COEX Mall in Seoul's Gangnam-gu District. "Our government respects the North's regime and will not engage in any hostile act or pursue any form of unification through absorption."

"I hope that the North can soon come to the table for talks to put the dark past behind us and move forward to a new future together."

On relations with Japan, President Lee said, "I will strive to face the past, jointly resolve present challenges and walk toward the future together."

"I will continue shuttle diplomacy with Japan and provide active support so that the people of both countries can more clearly feel the effects of the development of bilateral relations and jointly open new opportunities."

He added, "I hope for the Japanese government to respond positively to our efforts to open 'a new world of friendly ties based on true understanding and empathy.'"

jihlee08@korea.kr