Minister Kang Kyung-wha to Meet Pompeo in the US on the 9th... Also to Hold Talks with US Congress and Academic Figures

Discussion on Korean Peninsula Denuclearization and Peace Settlement... Limits Due to US Election Uncertainty
Minister Kang to Also Request Continued Support and Cooperation from US Political Circles

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is attending the plenary session of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts held at the National Assembly on the 4th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As the U.S. presidential election vote counting is underway, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will visit Washington DC from the 8th to the 10th to manage the situation regarding South Korea-U.S. relations and the Korean Peninsula situation.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kim In-chul stated at a regular briefing on the 5th, "Minister Kang will visit Washington at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and is scheduled to hold a South Korea-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting on the 9th." This will be the first direct meeting between the two ministers in about nine months since February 15 in Munich, Germany.

The two ministers plan to have in-depth discussions to reaffirm the strong South Korea-U.S. alliance by continuing strategic communication between the two countries, focusing on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, establishing peace, and cooperation measures to strengthen the alliance. They also plan to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Spokesperson Kim explained, "During this visit to the U.S., Minister Kang will also meet with members of the U.S. Congress and academic figures to request continued support and cooperation from the U.S. political and academic circles for progress in the Korean Peninsula peace process and strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance."

However, since Minister Kang's visit comes amid growing uncertainty over the U.S. presidential election results, it is uncertain whether the visit will yield expected outcomes. In particular, if former Vice President Joe Biden's election is confirmed, there may be limitations in discussing specific South Korea-U.S. issues.

When asked whether there are plans to establish communication channels with the Biden campaign personnel, spokesperson Kim replied, "Whenever the foreign minister visits Washington, meetings with administration officials are always held. We have communicated broadly with political and academic figures, and this time will be no different."

Meanwhile, Lee Do-hoon, Director of the South Korea Peace Negotiations Headquarters, will accompany Minister Kang on this visit. Director Lee is expected to meet with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and chief nuclear envoy Stephen Biegun to conduct consultations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.