South Korean leader Lee called for direct talks with North Korea to end the long-running war on the Korean Peninsula.
Speaking at a commemorative ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of his country's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, which lasted from 1910 to 1945, Lee said South and North Korea should set aside their intentions to threaten each other.
A peace regime instead of an armistice
The South Korean leader said he would work to end tensions on the Korean Peninsula and replace the armistice system, which has remained unstable for a long time, with a peace regime.
Lee also said that effective ways to halt the development of North Korea's nuclear capabilities could be discussed during the talks.
A message of stability for Northeast Asia
Lee said peace on the Korean Peninsula would contribute to strengthening stability and cooperation in Northeast Asia.
The South Korean leader emphasized that this process could also support the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.