By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Lee Jae-myung met with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sept. 23 and asked for the U.N.'s support for South Korea's initiative to achieve North Korea's denuclearization through dialogue, the Presidential office said.

Their meeting took place after President Lee declared at the UN that "South Korea will fulfill its responsibility and role to end the Cold War on the Korean Peninsula and contribute to global peace and prosperity through the 'E (Exchange), N (Normalization), and D (Denuclearization) Initiative."

President Lee stated, “Peace and security on the Korean Peninsula are directly linked to global peace and security, and requested the U.N.'s support in moving beyond conflict and confrontation toward dialogue and cooperation."

U.N. Secretary-General Guterres praised the Seoul administration's North Korea policy as a wise approach and pledged active U.N. support, while vowing to continue strengthening cooperation with Seoul.

During the talks, Lee expressed support for Guterres' U.N. reform agenda and pledged South Korea will do its part to help the organization grow into a more effective and efficient body, the Presidential office said.

President Lee also said South Korea, which transformed from an aid recipient into a donor nation with the support of the U.N., will take on an even greater role in addressing global challenges.

Noting that South Korea is making important contributions by offering a wise and balanced voice, U.N. Secretary-General Guterres described the country as a "trusted partner" in humanitarian aid, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), human rights.