The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the South Korea-U.S. foreign ministers had a phone call on the 21st and agreed to coordinate schedules for an early face-to-face meeting. Minister Cho Tae-yul 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 mentioned that efforts should be made to ensure that the South Korea-U.S. alliance continues to maintain and develop steadily under the acting presidency. Cho also suggested continuing efforts so that the achievements of South Korea-U.S. and South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation can further develop under the new U.S. administration.
Minister Blinken agreed, expressing full confidence in Acting President Han Duck-soo's competent and respected leadership. The U.S. also highly values and trusts South Korea's democracy and its resilience.
Along with this, it was re-emphasized that the U.S.'s strong defense commitment remains unchanged, and it was suggested to communicate and cooperate closely until the end of the Biden administration's term for the development of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation.
Both sides also exchanged views on the state of martial law on the 6th and reaffirmed the solidity of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. The face-to-face consultation between the South Korea-U.S. foreign ministers is expected to take place by mid-next month at the latest.
Kurt Campbell, Director General of the U.S. Department of State, announced during a press briefing with Asia-Pacific media held at the Washington D.C. Foreign Press Center on the 19th that a high-level face-to-face meeting between South Korea and the U.S. would take place 'in due course' before the second Donald Trump administration is inaugurated on Jan. 20 next year.