South Korea, U.S. Ministers Discuss Denuclearization Amid North Korea-U.S. Dialogue Prospects

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken agreed to continue close communication and cooperation between their nations on achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula and resolving the North Korean nuclear issue. The agreement was announced by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a phone call between the two ministers on Tuesday.

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We agreed to continue close communication and cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula and resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, while maintaining a strong combined defense posture.

During the call, Cho informed Blinken that South Korea would do its utmost to ensure President Donald Trump's recent message could lead to the resumption of dialogue with North Korea and contribute to peace on the peninsula. This conversation occurred at the request of the South Korean government, following Trump's suggestion of dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his directive to scale back joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises.

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Our government will do its best to ensure that President Trump's recent message can lead to the resumption of dialogue with North Korea and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The ministers also addressed a range of other bilateral matters. These included ongoing discussions on trade, investment agreements, and security negotiations concerning shipbuilding and the construction of nuclear-powered submarines. Both ministers expressed a desire to pool their wisdom to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, further elevating the bilateral relationship.

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We agreed to pool our wisdom to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and further elevate the bilateral relationship.

Additionally, the conversation touched upon the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Blinken explained the U.S. efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East, including its engagement with Iran. Cho expressed appreciation for President Trump's leadership in addressing Middle Eastern issues and emphasized South Korea's willingness to contribute practically to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, proposing continued consultations on specific measures.

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We will continue to consult on specific measures to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.