청 "Seohun meets Blinken and Austin... US actively considers South Korea's views on North Korea policy"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Blue House announced that National Security Office Director Suh Hoon met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the 18th to discuss issues such as the South Korea-U.S. alliance, U.S.-China relations, and North Korea negotiations. At this meeting, the U.S. side expressed its intention to actively consider South Korea's opinions in reviewing its North Korea policy.

According to the Blue House on the 19th, Director Suh had a one-hour meeting with Secretary Blinken following President Moon Jae-in's joint reception of the U.S. Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense.

He also held a separate meeting with Secretary Austin prior to the joint reception. During the two meetings, consultations were held on mutual interests including the South Korea-U.S. alliance, the Korean Peninsula issues, and regional matters.

Regarding the South Korea-U.S. alliance, the U.S. side explained that this visit was "under the direct instructions of President Biden" and stated that "the South Korea-U.S. alliance and the North Korean nuclear issue are priorities for the new U.S. administration." In response, Director Suh said, "We will continue to communicate closely at all levels, including the heads of state, and cooperate on all issues as allies." Both sides agreed on the importance of the South Korea-U.S. combined readiness and the stable maintenance of the U.S. Forces Korea's scale.

The two sides also exchanged views on China. The U.S. side plans to share the results of the U.S.-China high-level talks held in Alaska with the South Korean side.

The Blue House mentioned that the U.S. side proposed during President Moon's reception that "U.S.-China relations are complex, involving competition, cooperation, and hostility," and that "South Korea-China relations also have complex aspects. We should maintain close communication going forward," adding, "This is in line with the fact that the Quad issue was not discussed at all during the presidential reception."

Regarding North Korea negotiations, the Blue House stated, "Both sides had in-depth, professional, and detailed discussions on measures for North Korea negotiations and their implementation."

At this meeting, the U.S. side evaluated South Korea's expertise on North Korea and said, "We will actively consider South Korea's opinions during the North Korea policy review process and continue close consultations." Both sides agreed on the importance of South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation for progress on the Korean Peninsula issue and decided to further activate trilateral consultations.

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