Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in Washington. According to spokesperson Tammy Bruce, "The Secretary and Foreign Minister underscored the unwavering strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, which has served as the linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific for more than 70 years. They expressed continued support for their mutual goal of strengthening the U.S.-ROK Alliance, including through our robust combined defense posture and the continued provision of extended deterrence to the ROK."
During their meeting, Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Cho discussed ways to promote economic growth for both countries by working together on supply chain security and critical technologies. Both officials welcomed a new trade agreement between their countries as well as an upcoming visit by ROK President Lee Jae Myung to Washington.
They also confirmed their commitment to achieving complete denuclearization of North Korea (DPRK), enforcing international sanctions, and voiced concerns about North Korea’s growing military cooperation with Russia. Both leaders stressed that stability across the Taiwan Strait is essential for global security and prosperity.
In addition, they talked about enhancing trilateral cooperation among the United States, South Korea, and Japan to address regional security challenges.
