South Korean FM Cho heads to Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Rubio

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun departed for Washington on September 17, 2026, for a three-day visit aimed at discussing a range of pending bilateral issues with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks are expected to cover economic and security arrangements, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, regional affairs, and the international landscape.

Key agenda items include South Korea's potential contribution to securing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway where the U.S. has sought greater international participation. Cho stated that no decision has been made regarding military asset deployment to the region, emphasizing that any action would prioritize international cooperation and the safety of South Korean citizens.

Another significant topic will be the finalization of South Korea's investment commitments to the U.S., totaling $350 billion, which includes $150 billion for shipbuilding cooperation. This agreement, made in return for lower U.S. tariff rates, also encompasses other security arrangements. A planned briefing on the first investment project was postponed, which Cho attributed to domestic procedural clarifications rather than bilateral differences.

Discussions are also anticipated to address North Korea, with President Donald Trump reportedly interested in re-engaging with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Seoul has underscored the importance of close coordination with Washington in pursuing dialogue with Pyongyang and resolving its nuclear program.

A foreign ministry official noted that the meeting between Cho and Rubio was deemed necessary for in-depth discussions and coordination on these pressing economic and security matters.