[Asia Economy Reporter Inho Yoo] Amid strengthened international responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the South Korea-US alliance is showing a close relationship.
Although our government is not dispatching troops or providing military support to Ukraine, cooperation between the two countries is being strengthened as South Korea has expressed its intention to join the US-led sanctions against Russia.
According to diplomatic circles on the 26th, following South Korea-US vice ministerial talks after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, ministerial-level talks have continued, maintaining a close cooperative system between the two countries regarding response measures.
Choi Jong-geon, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a phone call with Wendy Sherman, US Deputy Secretary of State, on the 25th to discuss recent issues including the situation in Ukraine.
Both vice ministers strongly condemned Russia's armed invasion of Ukraine and urged its immediate cessation, reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
They also emphasized the international community's united will to respond to the situation in Ukraine, and Vice Minister Choi stated that our government, as a responsible member of the international community, will actively participate in international efforts including economic sanctions to peacefully resolve the situation.
Deputy Secretary Sherman expressed appreciation for South Korea's strong cooperation and coordination with the international community regarding the current situation.
On the following day, the 26th, Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong held a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to exchange views on mutual interests including the situation in Ukraine, the Korean Peninsula issue, and Iran.
This call was made about two weeks after the South Korea-US foreign ministers' meeting held on the 12th in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The two ministers exchanged in-depth opinions on the recent situation in Ukraine. They strongly condemned Russia's armed invasion of Ukraine as a violation of the UN Charter principles and urged its immediate cessation, while reaffirming their firm support for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
Secretary Blinken expressed appreciation for South Korea's strong cooperation and coordination with the international community.
The US government expressed its welcome for South Korea's decision to join international sanctions against Russia, which invaded Ukraine.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the US Department of Defense, said at a press briefing on the 25th (local time) regarding South Korea's participation in economic sanctions against Russia, "We welcome the alliance Korea's will and contribution to impose sanctions on Russia, as many other countries are doing."
Spokesperson Kirby added, "You can clearly see the condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine from Korea and many countries around the world."
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