Top diplomats from South Korea and the United States have agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation to address North Korea's nuclear issue and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. The agreement was reached during a phone call between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to Seoul's foreign ministry.
The call took place amid concerns that the United States might acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear-armed state, following U.S. President Donald Trump's recent response to a question about his goal in reengaging with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Both ministers reaffirmed the importance of close communication between their countries, especially given recent shifts in international circumstances. They also committed to working together to elevate bilateral relations by achieving mutually beneficial outcomes on various pending issues, including tariffs, an investment agreement, and security cooperation.
Minister Cho highlighted South Korea's commitment to contributing to the restoration of free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, acknowledging the U.S. leadership in addressing Middle East issues. Secretary Rubio provided an update on U.S. efforts to foster peace and stability in the region.
The two diplomats agreed to meet in person in the near future to further discuss key pending matters.
