South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun traveled to Washington, the U.S. capital, on Thursday to discuss economic and security issues between Seoul and Washington. Cho is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, U.S. time.
Speaking as he departed from Incheon International Airport, Cho said they would comprehensively review the Korean Peninsula, regional developments and the international situation, as well as various issues on the two countries' shared agenda.
Seoul's decision on Hormuz remains pending
Navigational security in the Strait of Hormuz and South Korea's investment plans in the United States are among the issues expected to feature prominently during the Washington visit. The two countries have adopted different approaches to the strait.
U.S. President Donald Trump is pressuring the South Korean government to contribute to efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The South Korean government is considering the option of sending military assets to the region as domestic opposition and warnings from Iran continue.
Cho said no decision had yet been made on the Strait of Hormuz and that all relevant factors were being examined. The South Korean minister said international cooperation would be prioritized during the assessment process, adding that freedom of navigation in the strait and the safety of South Korean citizens would be the central priorities.
$350 billion investment plan
Under an agreement between Seoul and Washington, South Korea is expected to invest $350 billion in the United States in exchange for lower tariffs. The details of the agreement have not yet been finalized.
Cho and Rubio are expected to discuss the two countries' economic and security arrangements, along with North Korea, the Korean Peninsula, the conflict in the Middle East and the details of the $350 billion investment agreement.
