South Korean, U.S. Foreign Ministers Discuss North Korea Nuclear Issue Amidst Dialogue Efforts

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a phone conversation to discuss key issues including bilateral relations and the denuclearization of North Korea. This marks the first such call between the two top diplomats in five months, following a previous discussion regarding the Iran conflict in March.

The ministers affirmed their commitment to maintaining a strong combined defense posture while emphasizing the need for close communication and cooperation between South Korea and the United States to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula and resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. Their discussion comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to bring North Korea to the negotiating table, even publicly revealing the estimated number of nuclear weapons held by Pyongyang.

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

It is speculated that during the call, Minister Cho and Secretary Pompeo shared insights on North Korean movements and discussed the ongoing process of engagement with Pyongyang. Minister Cho reportedly conveyed South Korea's intention to actively seek a constructive role, potentially as a 'pace-maker,' in the current climate of potential U.S.-North Korea dialogue.

Both sides acknowledged the heightened importance of close communication amidst shifting international dynamics. They also found common ground on elevating bilateral ties by achieving mutually beneficial outcomes in areas such as customs and investment agreements, shipbuilding, and security cooperation. Secretary Pompeo briefed Minister Cho on U.S. efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East, including the situation in Iran. In response, Minister Cho emphasized South Korea's willingness to contribute practically to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and proposed continued consultations on specific measures.

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We confirmed a consensus that close communication between South Korea and the U.S. is more important than ever amidst recent changes in the international situation.