Official announcements from the U.S. State Department or South Korean Foreign Ministry

Rubio and Cho Discuss North Korea Post-Trump Inauguration, Plan Washington Meeting with Japan

Jan 23, 2025, 01:59 AM

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held his first phone call with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul on Thursday, following President Donald Trump's inauguration. The two diplomats discussed bilateral relations, North Korea's nuclear issues, and trilateral cooperation involving Japan. Rubio, who made the call within 24 hours of his swearing-in, invited Cho to visit the U.S. for further discussions, with Cho's visit likely to take place in February. They agreed to coordinate schedules for a meeting in Washington at the earliest possible date. The conversation emphasized the importance of maintaining close communication and cooperation on North Korea's nuclear issues, with both ministers expressing a commitment to strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance, which has been robust for over 70 years, and expand trilateral cooperation with Japan.