Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (left) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio [Yonhap]
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (left) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio [Yonhap]

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone late Monday and confirmed that close communication between Seoul and Washington is more important than ever amid recent shifts in the international landscape.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers agreed to work together to produce mutually beneficial outcomes across a range of bilateral issues — including tariffs and investment agreements, shipbuilding and security cooperation — with the aim of elevating the South Korea-US relationship to a higher level.

The ministers also agreed to maintain the robust combined defense posture while sustaining close communication and coordination to advance peace on the Korean Peninsula and resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. Cho said South Korea's government would do its utmost to ensure that recent messages from US President Donald Trump lead to the resumption of North Korea-US dialogue and lasting peace on the peninsula.

The remarks underscored the need for tight coordination on North Korea policy, coming amid concerns that Trump may be growing tolerant of a nuclear-armed North Korea — after the president raised the possibility of meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un before year's end while avoiding any mention of denuclearization.

Rubio briefed Cho on the latest situation in the Middle East, including Iran, and on US efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. Cho praised Trump and the United States for their active leadership in addressing Middle East issues and proposed continuing consultations on specific measures, stressing South Korea's willingness to make a tangible contribution to restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

The two ministers agreed to meet in person in the near future for more in-depth discussions on key issues.


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