The effective move by the South Korean president.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's official expression of regret over the incident in February when his country's drone violated North Korean airspace has received a positive response from Pyongyang and is a positive sign of reduced tension between the two countries.

This diplomatic move came as a surprise because the South Korean government has consistently denied all accusations from North Korea and has always insisted it was not involved in the incident.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung

Photo: Reuters

In fact, Mr. Lee could not act otherwise after the results of the investigation, conducted by the South Korean government itself, revealed that South Korean officials were behind the incident. Such investigation results forced Mr. Lee to express the official stance of the South Korean government on the matter and could not deny responsibility.

Although not an official apology from Seoul, Lee's message to Pyongyang still acknowledges the South Korean government's shared responsibility to a certain extent. Therefore, Lee's expression of regret over the incident is the most diplomatically appropriate and practically effective way to minimize the harmful impact and negative consequences of the incident on relations between the two countries on the Korean Peninsula.

But at the same time, handling the situation in this way also created an opportunity for President Lee to demonstrate his goodwill towards reconciliation with North Korea. Reducing tension and confrontation in relations between South Korea and North Korea is a central strategic direction in this president's foreign policy. Doing what had to be done while simultaneously implementing that strategy was very timely and effective.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/don-dac-dung-cua-tong-thong-han-quoc-185260407230741869.htm