South Korea’s new president asks North Korea to exchange nuclear for economy

South Korea’s new president was sworn in on May 10 – Photo: REUTERS

In his inaugural address on May 10, Yoon called North Korea’s weapons programs a threat to the region and the world, but insisted the door to dialogue remained open. In addition, he promised to help the neighboring northern country strengthen its economy. He is the 13th president of South Korea to serve a presidential term of five years.

“If North Korea really embarks on the process of completing denuclearization, we are willing to come up with a bold plan to significantly strengthen North Korea’s economy and improve the quality of life for its people.” “, Yonhap news agency quoted Mr. Yoon as speaking to an audience of 41,000 at the ceremony.

Although President Yoon did not specify what that economic plan was, his security adviser Kim Sung Han previously said that the new South Korean government would draw up a roadmap to lift sanctions on Pyongyang in order to in exchange for the country’s nuclear abandonment.

However, Yoon’s calculations could be thrown into crisis if North Korea conducts its first nuclear test in five years in the next few days, if the predictions of South Korea and the United States are true.

South Korea’s new President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife at the swearing-in ceremony held at the parliament building in Seoul on May 10 – Photo: AFP

President Yoon also raised challenges that Korea and the world are facing such as the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chain crisis, climate change, etc. He is committed to building a developed Korea. prosperous on the foundation of liberal democracy and a market economy.

“The mission of our generation is to build a nation that advocates liberal democracy and ensures a thriving market economy, a nation that fulfills its responsibilities as a trusted member.” of the international community and a nation that truly belongs to the people,” the Korean leader said about the country’s reconstruction mission.

This is the largest-scale event held in the capital Seoul after Korea abolished social distancing regulations to prevent the COVID-19 epidemic, and is also the most expensive inauguration ceremony with an organization cost of about 2 million USD. ,6 million USD.

Yoon’s term officially began at 0:00 on May 10 at an underground bunker set up at the new office building in Yongsan district, when he received his first report from the Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff. National Army (JCS) as commander-in-chief of the army.

To mark the new government, South Korea performed a bell-ringing ceremony at the Bosin bell tower in the center of Jongno of Seoul.