Jin Park Plans US Visit Next Month... Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Coordination Underway Between Korea-US Authorities"

Focused Discussion Expected on North Korean Nuclear Response Measures and Current Issues Such as IRA

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Foreign Minister Park Jin is expected to visit the United States as early as the beginning of next month.

At the regular briefing on the 26th, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-seok said in response to a question about Minister Park's plan to visit the U.S., "Currently, diplomatic coordination is underway between the Korean and U.S. authorities," adding, "Specific details can be announced at an appropriate time later."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

If Minister Park's visit to the U.S. is confirmed, a Korea-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to take place. Minister Park and Secretary Blinken are anticipated to focus on discussing responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile development and provocations, as well as bilateral issues such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) during this meeting.

Additionally, the Korea-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting is expected to cover matters related to President Yoon Suk-yeol's planned visit to the U.S., which is being discussed for the first half of this year.

Earlier, on the 12th, during the '2023 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Major Work Plan' briefing held at the Presidential Office, Minister Park stated regarding the Korea-U.S. relationship marking the 70th anniversary of the alliance this year, "We will further solidify the global comprehensive strategic alliance and promote the realization of an 'active alliance' in all fields including security, economy, and technology," adding, "We will also strengthen high-level communication, including President Yoon's first visit to the U.S. since his inauguration."