Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is speaking at a press conference held on the morning of the 2nd at the Government Seoul Office Annex./Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha stated that she shared concerns with the U.S. side regarding the Korea-U.S. Working Group, which is facing criticism or calls for disbandment mainly from the ruling party, and discussed ways to improve it.
At a domestic press conference held on the 2nd at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Doryeom-dong, Seoul, Minister Kang said, "Although the Working Group is evaluated as functioning very effectively, I am well aware of the domestic concerns."
She added, "I received a report that during Lee Do-hoon's visit to the U.S. as the head of the Korea Peace Negotiation Office, they shared such concerns and discussed how to improve the operation method to alleviate those worries."
However, she expressed a cautious stance regarding the possibility of a North Korea-U.S. summit before the U.S. presidential election.
Minister Kang explained, "Regarding North Korea-U.S. dialogue, there was an announcement from the Blue House, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively fulfilling its role. Lee Do-hoon's visit to the U.S. should be understood in that context."
Regarding the Korea-U.S. Special Measures Agreement (SMA) negotiations, which have been in a state of agreement hiatus since January, and the possibility of reducing U.S. troops stationed in Korea, Minister Kang said, "It is difficult to predict the timing of the conclusion of the defense cost-sharing negotiations," and added that, to her knowledge, there have been no discussions or mentions between Korea and the U.S. about the possibility of reducing U.S. forces in Korea.
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