Jeong Eui-yong, "No Issues in Coordinating Denuclearization of Korean Peninsula as a Joint ROK-US Goal"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong stated on the 9th, "Since the goal of complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is a joint objective between South Korea and the United States, coordinating opinions can be done very easily."

Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong is walking out after paying respects at the Memorial Tower at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on the 9th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

At a meeting with reporters on the same day, Minister Chung was asked how he would persuade the United States to resume North Korea-US talks based on the Singapore Agreement. He responded, "This issue is a core task that can no longer be postponed."

Minister Chung emphasized, "Although there are various agendas between South Korea and the US recently, I believe there is basically no significant difference in positions between the two countries," adding, "Because the alliance is strong, even if there are somewhat differing opinions, I believe there is no major problem in coordinating them."

This statement is interpreted as being conscious of domestic opinions that differ from the US perspective regarding Minister Chung’s recent remark at the confirmation hearing that he believes in Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea’s will for denuclearization.

Regarding the possibility of a South Korea-US foreign ministers' meeting in February or March, he said, "I plan to communicate with the US as soon as I understand the situation, and I expect that it will be possible."

On the US-China conflict situation, Minister Chung explained, "Both the United States and China are important countries to us," adding, "The South Korea-US alliance is, needless to say, a very core pillar of our peace and prosperity," and "China is our strategic cooperative partner and our largest trading partner, and a very important partner for peace on the Korean Peninsula."

He continued, "There are areas where US and China’s interests coincide," saying, "For example, in climate change, recent quarantine efforts, and peacebuilding on the Korean Peninsula, we could play a role in building trust between the US and China."

Regarding the Biden administration’s active participation in the 'Quad'?a group including Japan, Australia, and India aimed at countering China?he responded, "If that cooperative body is transparent, open, inclusive, and respects international norms, we can actively cooperate with any regional cooperative body or initiative."

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