Cho Hyun: 'Dialogue with North under ROK-U.S. cooperation'... Phased approach to North Korean nuclear issue

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has outlined a policy to bolster cooperation with the United States to foster conditions for dialogue with North Korea. The minister stated this during a briefing to President Lee Jae-myung at the presidential office on May 5.

"Under close ROK-U.S. cooperation, we will strive to create conditions for resuming dialogue with North Korea," Cho said, adding that various opportunities, such as the UN General Assembly, would be explored. Regarding North Korea's nuclear program, the minister stressed efforts to advance a phased denuclearization process, moving from suspension to reduction and eventual dismantlement of its nuclear capabilities.

Amid a clear trend of closer ties between North Korea and Russia, and a recovery in North Korea-China relations, South Korea plans to enhance strategic communication with both Beijing and Moscow. Additionally, Seoul will continue engagement efforts through third countries and international organizations to address Korean Peninsula issues.

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Under close ROK-U.S. cooperation, we will strive to create conditions for resuming dialogue with North Korea.

The Foreign Ministry also announced its intention to actively pursue 'trilateral virtuous cycle diplomacy' in the second half of the year, guided by the keywords 'self-reliance, alliance, and solidarity.' In this context, Cho reported, "We will accelerate consultations with the U.S. to secure the necessary conditions for building our own nuclear-powered submarines and create an environment for pursuing enrichment and reprocessing, while developing the ROK-U.S. alliance through strategic sectors like defense."

While the first security consultation between South Korea and the U.S. on securing South Korea's enrichment and reprocessing rights began in early June, based on a joint fact sheet agreed upon by the leaders, the second consultation has been indefinitely postponed. Cho also highlighted the development of the ROK-U.S. relationship by closely coordinating economic and trade issues, aiming to create mutually beneficial outcomes. The ministry will support consultations between the defense authorities of both nations to facilitate the transfer of wartime operational control and enhance outreach to U.S. congressional and academic circles to foster understanding and support within the United States.

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We will accelerate consultations with the U.S. to secure the necessary conditions for building our own nuclear-powered submarines and create an environment for pursuing enrichment and reprocessing, while developing the ROK-U.S. alliance through strategic sectors like defense.