Efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz were among the main topics discussed by South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Cho said South Korea was ready to make a concrete contribution to these efforts.
During Friday’s meeting at the U.S. Department of State, Cho called for close communication to continue on the Strait of Hormuz. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had previously said he did not rule out sending combat forces to the strait, but noted that options for contributing to the safeguarding of freedom of navigation were being considered.
Emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy for North Korea
Cho and Rubio reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance between South Korea and the United States. The two ministers agreed to continue efforts to support the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and promote peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
Cho said the Seoul government would actively support U.S. efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea and would play a role in promoting peace. The two sides will maintain close communication and cooperation on North Korea policy, including efforts related to dialogue between the United States and North Korea.
Seoul’s investments in the United States
The meeting also covered South Korea’s strategic investment projects in the United States. Cho called on Rubio to work together to ensure that the ongoing consultations produce a positive outcome.
Seoul had pledged to invest $350 billion in the United States under a bilateral trade agreement signed last year. Rubio said the U.S. Department of State would work to successfully complete the consultations.
U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the two sides had pledged to continue cooperation in key strategic sectors, including semiconductors. Pigott also reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to the goal of completely denuclearizing North Korea and emphasized the importance of cooperation among the United States, Japan and South Korea on regional security.
Rubio pointed to the importance of cooperation in safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. secretary of state said it was necessary to create a fair, transparent and equitable business environment for U.S. companies operating in South Korea, and stressed the importance of securing the supply chains of key sectors.
