The United States and South Korea agreed to maintain coordination on North Korea’s nuclear program and peace on the Korean Peninsula. The two countries will also keep their joint defense posture strong.
The decision was made during a phone call between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Monday. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said the discussion underscored the importance of cooperation on North Korea’s nuclear program.
Economy and security on the bilateral agenda
Rubio and Cho also agreed to work together on pending issues to strengthen bilateral relations. They aim to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes in the areas of tariffs, an investment agreement and security cooperation.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio had emphasized the need for the two countries to maintain close coordination on issues important to the alliance.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho said his government would do everything in its power to ensure that U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest message to North Korea contributes to the resumption of dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang and to peace on the peninsula.
Expectations for a Trump-Kim meeting
Cho’s statement was seen as a reference to Trump’s remarks last week that he expected to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sometime this year.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump was seeking a meeting with Kim and that it could take place during the U.S. president’s next visit to Asia.
The meeting could take place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit expected to be held in Shenzhen, China, in November.
Rubio also briefed Cho on the Washington administration’s efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.
