Acting Chief Choi Meets with Visiting Secretary Blinken
Blinken: "Full Trust in Acting Leadership"
Choi Sang-mok: "Continuing Diplomatic and Security Policies"
Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is also the Minister of Economy and Finance, is shaking hands with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 6th. Photo by Yonhap News
Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Strategy and Finance, met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is visiting Korea, on the 6th and said, "Let us continue the diplomatic and security policy based on the strong ROK-U.S. alliance and ROK-U.S.-Japan cooperation."
Secretary Blinken said, "As a friend of Korea, the United States fully trusts not only the resilience of Korean democracy but also the leadership of Acting President Choi."
The Ministry of Strategy and Finance announced that earlier that morning, Acting President Choi and Secretary Blinken met at the Government Seoul Office to exchange views on the ROK-U.S. alliance, ROK-U.S.-Japan cooperation, and North Korean issues.
Acting President Choi expressed gratitude for the consistent support and trust the U.S. has shown toward the ROK-U.S. alliance and Korean democracy, emphasizing that Secretary Blinken’s visit itself demonstrates the unwavering ROK-U.S. alliance.
He also stated that through the joint statement commemorating the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance, the Washington Declaration, and the ROK-U.S.-Japan Camp David principles and spirit, both countries will do their best to ensure the continued implementation of core achievements.
Acting President Choi urged close communication between diplomatic and security authorities and, based on the strong ROK-U.S. combined defense posture, to thoroughly prepare for any possible provocations from North Korea.
Secretary Blinken expressed condolences and prayers on behalf of the American people regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane accident that occurred at Muan International Airport on December 29 last year, stating, "The United States is ready to provide any necessary support."
He went on to say that the United States trusts the resilience of Korean democracy and the leadership of Acting President Choi, emphasizing, "The U.S. defense commitment to Korea will not waver even an inch."
Secretary Blinken stressed, "The ROK-U.S. alliance, which has lasted over 70 years, is a key pillar of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region, and its importance and role are clearer than ever."
He also highly evaluated the ROK-U.S.-Japan cooperation achievements, including the Camp David summit outcomes, and expressed great expectations that such achievements will continue to be maintained and expanded in the future.
Secretary Blinken visited Korea the day before as a farewell visit ahead of the inauguration of the Donald Trump administration on the 20th.
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