청 "Agreement on Prompt Start of Communication Between South Korea and U.S. Leaders"

Seo Hoon, Director of the National Security Office, Congratulates Sullivan on Appointment as U.S. National Security Advisor... "Joint Efforts for Peaceful Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] The Blue House announced that National Security Office Director Suh Hoon and U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan agreed on the importance of initiating communication between the South Korean and U.S. presidents as soon as possible following their phone conversation.

Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok stated in a written briefing on the 23rd, "National Security Office Director Suh Hoon held his first phone consultation, which also served as a courtesy meeting, with Jake Sullivan, the 29th U.S. National Security Advisor, from 9:30 to 10:10 a.m. on the 23rd, shortly after the Biden administration took office, and congratulated the new National Security Advisor on his appointment."

Spokesperson Kang particularly noted, "Both sides agreed on the importance of starting communication between the South Korean and U.S. presidents as soon as possible, and decided to maintain close and frequent communication at all levels, including the NSC, going forward."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Spokesperson Kang explained, "Both sides reaffirmed the firm foundation of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, which underpins our diplomatic and security policies, and shared the recognition that it is crucial to actively cooperate as allies moving toward the same goals?not only on issues related to the Korean Peninsula and the region but also on global issues such as COVID-19, economic recovery, climate change, and cyber security."

Advisor Sullivan stated that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is the linchpin of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and an alliance that shares values such as democracy and the rule of law with the United States. He added that the U.S. side will closely consult with South Korea on various matters going forward.

Spokesperson Kang conveyed, "Both sides shared their assessments of the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and agreed to jointly consult and work together to achieve the goal of denuclearization and peace settlement on the Korean Peninsula."