On July 24, the Presidential Office announced that National Security Advisor Wi Sunglak visited the United States to support upcoming detailed economic discussions through comprehensive consultations covering security and economic issues between South Korea and the United States. The office stated, "He held consultations not only with Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, but also with Deputy National Security Advisor and Vice Presidential National Security Advisor Andy Baker, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamison Greer, and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, among other officials." Trade Minister Yeo Hankoo was also present at the meeting with the USTR.
According to the Presidential Office, Advisor Wi, who visited the United States on July 20, arrived at the West Wing of the White House at the scheduled time on July 21 for consultations with Advisor Rubio. Deputy National Security Advisor and Vice Presidential National Security Advisor Baker, as well as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State Needham, both senior officials within the U.S. National Security Council (NSC), were also present.
The Presidential Office explained, "However, just before the meeting, President Trump urgently summoned Advisor Rubio. While waiting for Advisor Rubio, Advisor Wi and the other attendees exchanged sufficient views and conveyed positions on current issues between South Korea and the United States." The office added, "As the meeting between Advisor Rubio and President Trump was prolonged and Advisor Rubio could not attend, it was agreed to hold additional consultations with Advisor Rubio, and the specific time and method would be coordinated at the working level."
Subsequently, Advisor Wi was informed by Advisor Rubio's office that, due to the U.S.-Philippines summit and other events on July 22, in-person consultations would be difficult, and a phone consultation was requested instead. The Presidential Office stated, "Considering the nature of Advisor Rubio's duties as a national security advisor who frequently assists the President, Advisor Wi decided to respect Advisor Rubio's position and conducted additional consultations by phone," adding, "The phone consultation was conducted thoroughly."
The office further noted, "Advisor Rubio apologized three times for not being able to attend the meeting with Advisor Wi due to President Trump's sudden summons, expressed his anticipation for the meeting, and pledged to faithfully share the contents of the consultation with President Trump and relevant ministers. He also actively participated in the consultation and suggested that both sides continue close communication in any form going forward."
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