South Korea-US Foreign Ministers' First Call Under Acting Leadership "Coordinating Schedule for In-Person Talks"

On the 21st, the foreign ministers of South Korea and the United States held their first phone call under the leadership of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, acting president, and agreed to coordinate schedules for an early face-to-face meeting.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken conversed on the 18th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building on Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of the Korea-U.S. Foreign Ministers' luncheon meeting. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

On the same day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken exchanged views on the current domestic situation and South Korea-U.S. relations during the call.

Minister Cho emphasized the need to maintain and develop the South Korea-U.S. alliance steadily even under the acting presidential system, and urged joint efforts to ensure that the achievements of South Korea-U.S. and South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation continue to advance under the new U.S. administration.

Secretary Blinken expressed strong agreement, praising Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, acting president, as a capable and respected leader, and stated that he has full trust in the current acting presidential system.

He also expressed the U.S.'s high regard and trust in South Korea's democracy and its resilience.

Furthermore, he reaffirmed the unwavering U.S. defense commitment to South Korea and proposed close communication and cooperation until the end of the Biden administration to further develop the South Korea-U.S. alliance and South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation.

According to the U.S. Department of State, Secretary Blinken also emphasized during the call that both countries value democratic institutions and the rule of law, and expressed the United States' unwavering support for the people of South Korea.

Additionally, Secretary Blinken highlighted the enduring nature of the alliance based on shared values and mutual interests.

He expressed the U.S. government's intention to cooperate with the acting president to pursue the joint goals of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, including regional security, prosperity, and the promotion of democratic principles.

Moreover, the two ministers emphasized the ongoing cooperation between the two countries to address regional and global challenges, the U.S. Department of State reported.

Minister Cho and Secretary Blinken also spoke on the 6th, exchanging views on the emergency martial law situation and reaffirming the strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

The face-to-face meeting between the South Korea-U.S. foreign ministers is expected to take place by mid-next month at the latest.