White House: "South Korea-US National Security Advisors Meeting Discusses President Yoon's State Visit Preparations"

Kim Sung-han, Director of the National Security Office, who is visiting the United States, met with Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, on the 7th (local time) to discuss bilateral issues ahead of President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit. President Yoon is scheduled to make a state visit to the United States at the end of April to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korea-US alliance.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The White House confirmed the meeting through a statement on the same day, saying, "The Korea-US National Security Advisors discussed preparations for President Yoon and the First Lady's visit to the United States on April 26 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korea-US alliance and deepen the alliance."

At the meeting, Advisor Sullivan welcomed the announcement by the governments of South Korea and Japan regarding the third-party payment of compensation to victims of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period, stating that "the two key US allies have opened the door to strengthening cooperation."

Additionally, the two directors discussed ways to strengthen security cooperation and closely collaborate to respond to changing threats in the Indo-Pacific region. Advisor Sullivan reaffirmed during the talks that the US commitment to mobilize all defense assets for extended deterrence against North Korea is ironclad in terms of security for South Korea and the region.

Furthermore, they condemned North Korea's ongoing security-threatening actions and emphasized that the international community, including UN member states, must join efforts to prevent North Korea's illegal development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) that threaten regional security. They also condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In addition, they confirmed their intention to continue cooperation on supply chain issues and cyber network responses.

Director Kim also held a meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the afternoon of the previous day. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a briefing that it was a "very constructive meeting," during which discussions were held on additional support for Ukraine and strengthening economic security between the two countries.

Spokesperson Price described President Yoon's state visit in April as "the Biden administration's second state visit," adding, "It is important for South Korea, our ally, to have this honor." He stated, "This visit will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korea-US alliance and is believed to be important for advancing peace, stability, and prosperity in Korea, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world."

Earlier, the White House announced in a statement issued by the spokesperson that "President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have invited President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee to make a state visit to the United States on April 26," describing it as "the second state visit since the Biden administration took office."