(LEAD) Moon urges all-out efforts to improve people's livelihood, develop democracy

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES with remarks from President Moon in paras 2-6, minor changes throughout; ADDS photo)

SEOUL, Aug. 10 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in on Friday called for all-out efforts to revitalize the economy and further develop the country's democracy, appealing for legislative and judiciary support for the causes.

"As you may know, the most important steps in our reform drive, especially those related to the people's livelihoods, require legislation by the parliament, and there are already many related legislations waiting to be processed at the National Assembly," he said while meeting with new National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang and other national leaders.

The special meeting was set up to congratulate the inauguration of the new parliamentary speaker. It was also attended by Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, Supreme Court Chief Justice Kim Meong-su, Constitutional Court Chief Justice Lee Jin-sung and Kwon Soon-il, the head of the National Election Commission.

Moon and the five other participants are the six highest national leaders under the Constitution.

The president noted the government, as well as the legislative and judiciary branches, have been working to develop the nation and its democracy but said their efforts may still fall short of the people's expectations.

"I believe the government, the National Assembly and the judiciary branch all have many missions they have to complete before winning back the people's trust. I ask that we work together, at least for the development of democracy that the people wish to see," Moon told the lunch meeting.

Friday's meeting marked the fourth of its kind since Moon took office in May 2017 and the second since the start of the year. The last meeting of the top national leaders was held shortly after the president held a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on April 27.

The National Assembly speaker praised Moon for his leadership that he said has led to what he called unprecedented rapprochement between the two Koreas.

He promised his full support for government efforts to improve the people's livelihoods, revitalize the economy and remove excessive regulations.

bdk@yna.co.kr
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