South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing close communication between Seoul and Washington.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State on the 24th (local time), Foreign Minister Cho and Secretary Rubio highlighted close communication and cooperation between the two countries during their telephone conversation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Minister Cho exchanged views with Secretary Rubio on ROK-U.S. relations, Korean Peninsula issues, and the global situation.

The ministry reported that the two ministers shared the view that, amid recent shifts in the international landscape, close communication between South Korea and the U.S. is more crucial than ever.

They also agreed to pool their wisdom to draw mutually beneficial outcomes on various bilateral pending issues, including tariff and investment agreements, shipbuilding, and security cooperation, thereby further elevating the bilateral alliance.

In addition, the two ministers decided to maintain close communication and coordination for peace on the Korean Peninsula and the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, while sustaining a robust combined defense posture.

Minister Cho stated that the South Korean government will also do its utmost to ensure that recent messages from U.S. President Donald Trump lead to the resumption of dialogue between North Korea and the U.S. and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

This is interpreted as an emphasis on the need for close coordination on North Korea policy between South Korea and the U.S., given that concerns over condoning North Korea's nuclear program have been raised after President Trump raised the possibility of dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un within the year while avoiding mentions of North Korea's denuclearization.

It is also seen as conveying the resolve to seek an active role for South Korea, such as a "pacemaker," amid the phase of potential North Korea-U.S. dialogue.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Secretary Rubio explained recent situations in the Middle East, including Iran, and U.S. efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.

While appreciating the active leadership of President Trump and the U.S. in resolving Middle East issues, Minister Cho emphasized the South Korean government's willingness to make practical contributions toward restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that discussions on specific measures should continue.

In a two-sentence press release issued under the name of Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the U.S. Department of State stated that Secretary Rubio discussed "a range of issues vital to the U.S.-ROK alliance" during his call with Minister Cho.

The State Department reported that Secretary Rubio noted "the need for the two countries to maintain close coordination on matters essential to the alliance."

The two ministers agreed to meet in person in the near future to continue more in-depth consultations on key pending issues.

However, the State Department's release did not include direct references to the North Korean nuclear issue, including North Korea's denuclearization.

In this regard, some observers raise the possibility that the intentions of U.S. President Donald Trump to lay the groundwork for holding a North Korea-U.S. summit within the year were implicitly reflected.

Previously, President Trump sparked controversy on the 19th by stating that he would meet with leader Kim Jong Un within the year and adding, "He has 57 very powerful nuclear weapons."

Moreover, when asked whether the goal of resuming relations with Chairman Kim remains denuclearization, he avoided a direct answer, saying, "I don't want to talk about that."

(Photo: Yonhap News)