▲ Foreign Minister Cho Hyun delivers a keynote speech at the Seoul Diplomatic Forum 2026, held under the theme "Changing International Order and Global Governance" at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that efforts will be made to facilitate dialogue between North Korea and the United States.
Speaking in his keynote address at the Seoul Diplomatic Forum held at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy in Seoul today (the 3rd), Minister Cho said, "We will continue our diplomatic efforts so that dialogue between the US and North Korea can resume."
He noted, "In this regard, we take note of the fact that US President Donald Trump has recently demonstrated his continued interest in peace on the Korean Peninsula and his willingness to resume dialogue with North Korea through a series of messages."
He went on to say, "We hope that the friendly relationship between the leaders of the US and North Korea will lead to meaningful dialogue between the two sides," emphasizing, "We also hope that US-North Korea dialogue will lead to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace."
Minister Cho's mention of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" appears to stem from interpretations surrounding recent remarks by President Trump that his commitment to North Korea's denuclearization may have weakened.
It is also interpreted as an intention to focus on playing a "pacemaker" role in driving US-North Korea dialogue in stride with President Trump's resolve, while simultaneously emphasizing that the goal of denuclearization remains unchanged.
Minister Cho stated, "The (South Korea-US) alliance is an important foundation for our diplomatic efforts regarding the Korean Peninsula," adding, "We are expanding the alliance into areas where South Korea can make differentiated contributions." He cited nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and shipbuilding as such areas.
He also introduced the government's efforts for inter-Korean dialogue.
Minister Cho said, "Although North Korea is not responding, we are patiently and steadfastly continuing our efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue," citing examples such as the suspension of anti-North Korea broadcasts and proposals for inter-Korean military working-level talks.
Today's forum, held under the theme "Changing International Order and Global Governance," was attended by diplomats from various countries and experts in international law.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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