Meeting of Foreign Ministers Held Three Days Before the Summit
Cho Hyun Makes Urgent Trip to U.S. on the 21st, Reviews Summit Agendas
Rubio: "Expecting a Constructive Summit That Brings Victory to Both Sides"
Tariff Agreement Reviewed, Remaining Issues to Be Smoothly Coordinated
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio on the 22nd (local time), three days before the Korea-U.S. summit between President Lee Jaemyung and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is shaking hands with Secretary of State Mark Rubio at the U.S. Department of State in Washington DC on the 31st of last month (local time). 2025.8.1 Photo by Washington Correspondent Team Yonhap News
Minister Cho made an unexpected trip to the United States on the 21st, Korean time, arriving in Washington, DC late that night and meeting with Secretary Rubio the following day. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 23rd, the two officials reviewed future-oriented agendas to be discussed at the summit, as well as achievements in various fields such as security, economy, and technology.
Minister Cho emphasized the historical significance and importance of the upcoming Korea-U.S. summit and requested Secretary Rubio’s special efforts to ensure a successful meeting. In response, Secretary Rubio agreed with the significance and importance of the first Korea-U.S. summit, stating, “I expect this will be a constructive and productive summit that brings victory to both sides,” and pledged to do his utmost to that end, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Secretary Rubio particularly noted that President Lee Jaemyung’s decision to visit Japan first before coming to the United States was a “wise choice,” adding that the United States would continue to work to further strengthen trilateral cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan.
The U.S. Department of State also released a statement under the name of Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, reporting that the two officials “emphasized the continued strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance, which has served as a linchpin for peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Indo-Pacific for over 70 years.”
Deputy Spokesperson Pigott also stated, “The two ministers discussed ways to advance the Korea-U.S. alliance focused on future-oriented agendas, including strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, expanding collective burden-sharing, supporting the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing, and restoring fairness and reciprocity,” adding that “they also reinforced the importance of trilateral cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan.”
The two ministers also exchanged views on the North Korea issue and the regional situation. Minister Cho explained South Korea’s willingness to engage in dialogue with North Korea and efforts to build trust for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Both sides agreed to continue close coordination on North Korea policy.
They also reviewed the tariff agreement reached last July and agreed to continue encouraging smooth progress in ongoing discussions between the trade authorities, even as some unresolved issues remain.
Andrew Baker, Deputy National Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Secretary, was also present at the meeting.
Secretary Rubio also shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he had met with Minister Cho, emphasizing the reaffirmation of the strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance. He added, “Our partnership, centered on future-oriented agendas, is a key element for peace, security, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region.”
Meanwhile, Minister Cho also met with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick at the White House, urging swift completion of follow-up consultations on Korea-U.S. tariffs to ensure thorough preparation for the summit.
Summit agendas related to bilateral cooperation in industry, energy, and trade, as well as the recently agreed-upon trade agreements between Korea and the U.S., are being coordinated by Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jungkwan and Trade Negotiations Head Yeo Hankoo, who arrived in the United States on the same day, with their respective U.S. counterparts. Minister Kim met with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in the afternoon, while Director Yeo met with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamison Greer the previous day.
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