Seoul, Washington vow close cooperation on North Korea

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed a commitment to close communication and cooperation regarding North Korea's nuclear program during a phone call on Monday. The conversation took place against a backdrop of recent tensions between the two allies.

President Donald Trump had recently announced a reduction in joint military exercises and expressed dissatisfaction with Seoul's contributions to his efforts to denuclearize Iran. The U.S. State Department's statement on the call was brief, noting discussions on "a range of issues in the U.S.-ROK Alliance." Secretary Rubio stressed the need for continued close coordination on matters vital to the alliance.

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The Secretary noted the need for the two countries to remain in close coordination on matters that are integral to the Alliance.

While South Korea's Foreign Ministry emphasized cooperation on the North Korean nuclear issue and maintaining a solid combined defense posture, Yonhap news agency noted that the ministry's statement did not explicitly reaffirm the usual commitment to North Korea's denuclearization. Minister Cho expressed Seoul's intention to help facilitate dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang, aiming for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

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The minister and secretary agreed to continue close communication and cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. for peace on the Korean Peninsula and the resolution of North Korea's nuclear issue while maintaining a solid combined defense posture.

Trump's outreach to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, coupled with his criticism of Seoul, has raised concerns among analysts about potential strains on long-standing alliances in Asia due to his unpredictability. Cho had previously suggested Trump's order to curb military drills might be intended to pressure Seoul into supporting U.S. actions in the Iran conflict and addressing other issues like investment.

The two diplomats also agreed to work towards mutually beneficial outcomes on various pending issues, including tariffs, investment, and security cooperation. Minister Cho highlighted Seoul's commitment to contributing to the free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, acknowledging the U.S. leadership in addressing Middle East security.

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Seoul would do its best to help ensure Trump's recent message for North Korea would lead to the resumption of dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang, and peace on the peninsula.