Joint Statement of Korea-US 2+2 Talks: 'Joint Response to North Korea's Denuclearization and Missile Threats'

[Asia Economy Reporters Inho Yoo and Jieun Lee] Based on a solid alliance, South Korea and the United States have agreed to jointly respond to North Korea's complete denuclearization and missile threats.

Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Defense Minister Suh Wook are taking a commemorative photo with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin before the Korea-U.S. Foreign and Defense Ministers' Meeting held on the morning of the 18th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

The two countries aim to elevate the ROK-US alliance to a top-tier alliance, making it a key axis not only in Northeast Asia but also in the Indo-Pacific region.

On the morning of the 18th, Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Defense Minister Suh Wook held a '2+2 meeting' involving both foreign and defense ministers of South Korea and the United States at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Doryeom-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The meeting was attended by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who arrived in Korea the previous day.

The 2+2 meeting, which brings together the four key ministers of the ROK-US foreign and security lines, was held for the first time in five years since the last meeting in Washington, D.C. This summit is significant as it took place amid expectations that the U.S. will soon complete its review of North Korea policy, allowing high-level officials from both countries to exchange in-depth views on fully coordinated North Korea policy formulation.

Following the 2+2 meeting, the ministers issued a joint statement addressing joint responses to North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile threats, as well as recognition of North Korean human rights issues.

The ROK and the U.S. reaffirmed that "the ROK-US alliance is a key axis for peace, stability, and prosperity in Northeast Asia, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world," and further expressed agreement on the importance of ROK-US-Japan cooperation, committing to continue enhancing cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region.

Regarding North Korea policy, they stated, "ROK-US or ROK-US-Japan security cooperation will respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and form a cooperative security framework in Northeast Asia," emphasizing, "We will continue to work together with other allies and partners, including South Korea and Japan, for the complete denuclearization of North Korea."

Additionally, the joint statement made no special mention of China. Although both U.S. ministers identified China as a common threat facing both countries the previous day, the South Korean government reportedly took a reserved stance considering its relationship with China.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon, Secretaries Blinken and Austin visited the Blue House to meet with President Moon Jae-in. They are expected to exchange views on the ROK-US alliance and issues related to the Korean Peninsula during this meeting.

Secretary Blinken will depart in the evening for Alaska, U.S., where a high-level meeting with China will be held, while Secretary Austin will head to his next destination, India, on the morning of the 19th. Secretary Blinken is scheduled to meet with Yang Jiechi, a member of the Communist Party's Political Bureau responsible for foreign affairs, and Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister, to officially discuss North Korea issues, including denuclearization, along with the outcomes of his visits to Japan and South Korea.

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