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🇰🇷 South Korea /Energy & Infrastructure

South Korea, U.S. vow close coordination on North Korean nuclear issue

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • South Korean and U.S. top diplomats agreed to maintain close coordination on denuclearizing North Korea and achieving peace on the peninsula.
  • The call followed U.S. President Trump's directive to scale back joint military exercises, signaling potential talks with North Korea.
  • Discussions also covered bilateral issues including tariffs, Korean investments in the U.S., and security cooperation, as well as South Korea's support for Middle East stability.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed their commitment to close coordination for peace on the Korean Peninsula and resolving the North Korean nuclear issue. The agreement, announced by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also emphasized maintaining a solid combined defense posture.

agreed to continue close communication and cooperation between Korea and the US for peace on the Korean Peninsula and the resolution of North Korea's nuclear issue while maintaining a solid combined defense posture

— South Korean Ministry of Foreign AffairsDescribing the agreement between the foreign ministers of South Korea and the U.S. following their phone call.

The phone call occurred at South Korea's request, following President Trump's recent directive to reduce joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises. Trump had hinted at possible talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, citing his "very good relationship" with the leader. Minister Cho conveyed South Korea's commitment to facilitating the resumption of U.S.-North Korea talks and promoting peace.

The minister and secretary agreed to combine their wisdom to further elevate bilateral relations by achieving mutually beneficial outcomes on various pending issues

— South Korean Ministry of Foreign AffairsSummarizing the diplomats' agreement on strengthening bilateral relations.

During the conversation, Minister Cho signaled South Korea's readiness to act as a facilitator for potential U.S.-North Korea negotiations. The call also addressed Trump's recent dissatisfaction with Seoul, particularly his comments on the cost of joint exercises and South Korea's perceived lack of support in the Middle East, including its stance on denuclearizing Iran. The diplomats also discussed key alliance matters such as tariffs, South Korea's planned investments in the U.S., and security negotiations covering shipbuilding, nuclear power, and the construction of nuclear-powered submarines.

explained the latest US efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East region, including Iran

— South Korean Ministry of Foreign AffairsDetailing Secretary Rubio's explanation of U.S. initiatives in the Middle East during the call.

Furthermore, the discussion included South Korea's support for stability in the Strait of Hormuz. Secretary Rubio outlined U.S. efforts to restore peace in the Middle East, while Minister Cho praised U.S. leadership and reiterated South Korea's commitment to contributing to the free passage of vessels through the strategic waterway. Both sides agreed to combine their efforts to enhance bilateral relations through mutually beneficial outcomes on various pending issues.

spoke highly of Trump and the US’ active leadership in addressing the issues in the Middle East

— South Korean Ministry of Foreign AffairsReporting Foreign Minister Cho's positive remarks on U.S. leadership in the Middle East.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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