Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul announced on Thursday that the South Korean government plans to engage in close communication with individuals close to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in an effort to strengthen ties with Washington. This announcement comes in the wake of Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election, signaling potential shifts in policies from those of the previous Biden administration that could impact the bilateral alliance between the U.S. and South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho emphasized the importance of refining and delivering messages concerning security and economic issues through various channels and personal networks before the new U.S. administration takes office. He highlighted a recent phone conversation between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Trump as an indication of the significance Trump places on the alliance with South Korea, noting Yoon was one of the first world leaders Trump contacted post-election.
In addressing parliamentary inquiries about uncer
tainties tied to the incoming U.S. leadership, Cho expressed confidence in advancing U.S.-South Korea relations, underscoring the solid cooperative foundation that exists. He pointed out that many Trump associates have reiterated their strong, bipartisan support for the alliance and for trilateral cooperation with Japan.
Cho also touched upon the issue of the U.S. “extended deterrence” against North Korean threats, describing it as the most appropriate strategy at present. Skepticism has arisen regarding Washington’s future commitment to this deterrence, given Trump’s stance on reducing American financial burdens for defense.
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine and North Korea’s military involvement with Russia, Cho stated it is premature to predict Trump’s approach, though Trump has claimed he would resolve the conflict swiftly. Cho also recalled that Trump’s first term showed interest in South Korea’s technological capabilities and economic collaboration.
Cho concluded by stressing the necessity of sustai
ned communication with Trump’s team to navigate global security challenges, particularly North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and ties with Russia, within the framework of the strategic alliance between South Korea and the U.S.