FM Cho Hyun: "No Disagreement Between S. Korea and U.S. on U.S. Investment... Will Maintain Clear Stance if Against National Interests"

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated regarding the delay in the final agreement between South Korea and the United States on the first phase of investment projects in the U.S., "Rather than differences between South Korea and the U.S., I understand it is to make domestic procedural matters a bit more certain."

Cho made the remarks to reporters at Incheon International Airport today (September 17) prior to departing for a South Korea-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

He added, "This issue will also be raised during the South Korea-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting as we comprehensively review bilateral relations," noting, "While we will clearly explain to the U.S. side what we can do, on any issue that runs counter to our national interests or differs from our position, we plan to explain it in great detail and maintain a firm stance."

Cho stated that the issue of South Korea's military contribution in the Strait of Hormuz, requested by the United States, is also on the meeting's agenda.

Regarding the government's stance on troop dispatch to the Strait of Hormuz, Cho explained, "It has not been decided yet and is under review taking various factors into account," adding, "Our position is to participate in international cooperation while prioritizing the safety of our citizens and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

Regarding Iranian Ambassador to South Korea Saeed Koozechi's visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, Cho said, "I did not meet him," but added, "I spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi by phone last week and already conveyed our basic position, and the Iranian side expressed understanding regarding this."

On the issues of nuclear-powered submarines and the revision of the South Korea-U.S. nuclear cooperation agreement, he said, "Working-level consultations have been ongoing," adding that both sides will consult in a direction to push forward the implementation of the joint fact sheet drawn up from the two South Korea-U.S. summits as expeditiously as possible.

Regarding the possibility of dialogue between North Korea and the U.S., Cho said, "I will mainly listen to developments and discuss them," adding, "If a breakthrough is achieved in North Korea-U.S. relations based on what President Trump posted on social media, our government would also welcome it."

He added, "We will review what to do in such an event," stressing, "There is no chance that our government will be sidelined."

During his visit to the United States, Cho is scheduled to meet with key members of the U.S. Congress and think tank scholars, as well as attend the United Nations General Assembly.

When asked if he is meeting with U.S. lawmakers because of existing pending issues such as Coupang, Cho drew the line, saying, "Such issues may be raised in the course of conversations, but the meetings are not for that purpose."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.