Lee Myung-bak Quotes

Overall relations between the North and the South have developed in favor of national reconciliation, unity and reunification.

Security can no longer be attained by arming ourselves against a potential enemy. Rather, security is attainable only with his cooperation.

When we had a good relationship between North Korea and South Korea, we always connected with sports.

I believe President Trump is more reasonable than he is generally perceived. President Trump uses strong rhetoric toward North Korea, but during the election campaign, he also said he could talk over a burger with Kim Jong-un. I am for that kind of pragmatic approach to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.

We are hopeful that the North Koreans can show a little bit more realism, a little bit more flexibility.

I do know that you have to choose between the logic of reconciliation and the logic of justice. Pure justice leads to new civil war. I prefer the negotiable revolution.

I will keep the promise I made to you to open a new era on the Korean peninsula, based on strong security and trust-based diplomacy.

Any confrontation, such as a verbal one with the United States, would be harmful for everybody.

Various channels of dialogue must be kept open to build trust. I will meet North Korea's leader if it is needed to develop relations between the two Koreas.

We welcome, we welcome this good cooperation between Russia and NATO.

History shows that no enemy remains hostile forever, nor do friends remain friendly forever. For that reason, we intend to have normal relations with all.

I will try to work for greater reconciliation, cooperation and peace in North East Asia based on correct perception of history.

It takes years to turn enmity to amity.

Military security and a policy of detente are not contradictory but complementary.

We need dialogue, not confrontation on the Korean Peninsula.

Whoever said “Keep your enemies close” didn’t have many enemies.

I will negotiate with my worst enemy.

Our words, actions, and diplomatic efforts should be aimed at trying to achieve pragmatic goals rather than creating rhetorical effect.

We must embrace the North Korean people as part of the Korean nation, and to do that, whether we like it or not, we must recognize Kim Jong-un as their ruler and as our dialogue partner.

Japan is prepared to break the shell of mutual distrust with North Korea and get off to a new start.

I'm resolved to be active on diplomacy as Japan further develops relationships based on trust and cooperation with countries including the U.S.

I will try and make peace between North and South Korea.

We must work to make the South-North Korea dialogue lead to talks between the United States and North Korea. Only then can we peacefully resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.

I will do whatever it takes to help settle peace on the Korean Peninsula.

While we need to provide leadership and stability to the world, we should do that through diplomacy.