▲ President Lee Jae Myung's press secretary Lee Kyu-youn delivers the president's speech during the Korean Peninsula Symposium, hosted by Yonhap News Agency, on June 26, 2025. (Yonhap)

   SEOUL, June 26 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung said Thursday the world is now facing unprecedented protectionism and security uncertainties, pledging to turn such global crises into opportunities to maximize the national interest.

   The president made the remarks in his congratulatory message, delivered by his press secretary Lee Kyu-youn, at the Korean Peninsula Symposium, hosted by Yonhap News Agency.

   "The world has entered an unprecedented major turning point in the global economy and security environment," Lee said, citing geopolitical tensions, growing rivalry over technological hegemony, fractured global supply chains and widespread protectionism.

   "Now is the time when a strategic approach is more necessary than ever to address global uncertainties and external risks," he noted.

   "Through pragmatic diplomacy that prioritizes the national interest, the government will turn complex global crises into opportunities to maximize the national interest," the president pledged.

   Lee also affirmed his commitment to strengthening cooperation with Japan and China, based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance, renewing his pledge to proactively respond to shifts in the global trade environment to help South Korean firms compete more effectively.

   pbr@yna.co.kr

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