South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on September 18 that Seoul must protect its citizens and national interests in the Strait of Hormuz but ruled out deploying troops in a way that could draw the country into an overseas conflict.
"Let it be clear. There will be no dispatch of troops that will lead to involvement in a conflict. There will be no engagement or involvement in war," Lee said during a televised press conference, Caliber.Az reports per South Korean media.
"The principle of no engagement or involvement in war has been observed so far and will continue to be observed in the future," he added.
Lee’s comments came as Seoul considers what it describes as possible “contributions” to maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid growing pressure from US President Donald Trump.
The president said South Korea nevertheless needs to carry out "at least the minimum level of activities" to protect its citizens and ships and help safeguard the route used to transport crude oil, as other countries do.
South Korea’s Cheonghae military unit has expanded the scope of its mission to conduct related activities in the area. Lee said Seoul was also reviewing ways to strengthen its measures.
Turning to relations with North Korea, Lee said the possibility of renewed dialogue between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Trump could not be ruled out, although he acknowledged that such a development would be difficult.
"The possibility cannot be ruled out although it would be admittedly difficult," Lee said, adding that he could not determine how likely renewed talks were.
"It is clear that we should do our utmost to make the possibility come true," the president said, arguing that renewed dialogue would serve as an important step toward improving inter-Korean relations and promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
By Sabina Mammadli
