On the 14th, South Korea-US Foreign Ministers Meeting in San Francisco... Focus on Troop Dispatch Discussions

Exchange of Views on Korean Peninsula Denuclearization, ROK-US Relations, and Middle East Situation Planned
Tenth Meeting Between the Two Ministers

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha attended the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly on the 9th and gave a briefing on current issues. Minister Kang reported on the situation regarding Iran. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will hold talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the 14th (local time) in San Francisco, USA. The meeting is expected to cover various issues in Korea-U.S. relations, including the North Korea-U.S. summit, defense cost-sharing negotiations, deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, as well as several Korea-Japan issues such as the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).

Kim In-chul, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained at a regular briefing on the 9th, "Minister Kang Kyung-wha will hold talks with Secretary Pompeo in San Francisco on the 14th," adding, "They will discuss the situation assessment and response measures for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of peace, comprehensive and mutually beneficial development plans for Korea-U.S. relations, and exchange views on regional and international issues including the situation in the Middle East."

This will be the tenth meeting between Minister Kang and Secretary Pompeo. Spokesperson Kim said, "This Korea-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting is expected to reaffirm the strong Korea-U.S. alliance and contribute to strengthening cooperation at regional and global levels."

Earlier, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha appeared before the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary session and mentioned, "I think an announcement will be made soon," and "Korea-U.S.-Japan or Korea-U.S. foreign ministers' meetings are being scheduled."

With the rapid destabilization of the Middle East situation earlier this year, attention is focused on discussions about deployment to the Strait of Hormuz. On the 7th, U.S. Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris expressed hope for the deployment of Korean troops, making it necessary to convey a clearer position.

At the plenary session of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee attended that day, Minister Kang clearly stated that there is a difference in position with the U.S. regarding deployment.

Responding to a question from Park Joo-sun, a member of the Bareunmirae Party, she said, "In terms of situation analysis and considering relations with Middle Eastern countries, it cannot necessarily be the same," adding, "We have had long-standing economic relations with Iran."

She continued, "There have been continuous requests for participation in the Strait of Hormuz operation, and we are continuously considering various options with the safety of our citizens and ship navigation as the top priority."

Discussions are also expected to continue regarding the Korea-U.S. Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on defense cost-sharing, with the sixth round of negotiations scheduled for this month. Additionally, with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu planning to visit the U.S., the possibility of a trilateral foreign ministers' meeting has been raised, and the GSOMIA issue is likely to be a major agenda item.

Minister Kang clearly stated, "The SMA and the response to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz are separate matters," adding, "We will consult with the U.S. regarding legislation that explains and institutionally guarantees the rights and interests of Korean workers."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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