Washington: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun departed for Washington on Thursday to engage in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio. The agenda is set to cover critical issues such as bilateral economic and security arrangements, North Korea, and the Middle East conflict.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho's three-day visit will culminate in a meeting with Rubio on Friday. Before leaving Incheon International Airport, Cho emphasized the importance of discussing pending issues between South Korea and the United States, focusing on the Korean Peninsula, regional affairs, and international matters.
A significant topic on the table is South Korea's role in ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration has urged Seoul to aid in restoring free navigation through this strategic waterway. However, the South Korean government is cautious, considering domestic opposition and Iranian warnings, as it evaluates the potential deployment of military assets to the region.
"Our position remains that no decision has been made yet, and we are reviewing all relevant factors," Cho stated, highlighting the prioritization of international cooperation and the safety of South Korean citizens.
The discussions will also address South Korea's investment commitments in the United States, following a joint agreement reached after last year's summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Trump. South Korea pledged to invest $350 billion, with a focus on shipbuilding, in exchange for reduced U.S. tariffs. However, the announcement of the first investment project has been delayed due to procedural clarifications rather than bilateral disagreements.
Potential investment projects include a gas-fired power plant in Texas and nuclear power facilities. "I will clearly explain what we can do, while maintaining a firm stance on issues that run counter to the national interest," Cho asserted.
North Korea's status will also be a focal point of the discussions. With President Trump showing interest in renewing dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Seoul underscores the necessity of close coordination with Washington to address Pyongyang's nuclear challenges.
A foreign ministry official noted, "The two countries have a range of pending economic and security issues, and the two ministers have shared the need to meet in person to discuss and coordinate on them," emphasizing the significance of the upcoming meeting between Cho and Rubio.