In the atmosphere of North-US dialogue, Cho Hyun and Rubio have a phone call… “Continuous cooperation on North Korea nuclear issues”

On February 24, South Korea's Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Chun Hae-sun and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo engaged in a telephone conversation to maintain close communication and cooperation between the two countries on the Korean Peninsula and the North Korean nuclear issue. The ministry stated that the two ministers agreed to "maintain a strong unified defense posture between the U.S. and South Korea while continuing close communication and cooperation between the two countries to resolve the Korean Peninsula peace and North Korean nuclear issue."

Chun Hae-sun conveyed to Pompeo that South Korea is ready to play its role in facilitating North-South Korean dialogue. The ministry noted that the statement "nuclear disarmament" was avoided in the press release, emphasizing the phrase "resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue" instead. The U.S. President, Trump, avoided specific references to nuclear disarmament in his talks on the Korean Peninsula, signaling a cautious approach.

There is concern that even if a meeting between the two world leaders occurs, nuclear disarmament may not be part of the agenda, or that South Korea's proposal for a phased solution to North Korea's nuclear program may not be accepted by the U.S. The conversation between the two foreign ministers was likely an effort by the South Korean government to respond to recent complaints from the Trump administration about the high costs of the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, the reluctance of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to provide aid to Iran, and his rejection of the idea of supporting U.S. investments.

During their conversation, the foreign ministers also discussed various issues affecting the U.S.-South Korea relationship, including recent tariffs, U.S. investment in South Korea, and negotiations on the safety of submarines and nuclear-powered ships. The foreign ministry stated that the ministers had a mutually beneficial outcome, enhancing the South Korean-U.S. relationship.

The conversation also touched on efforts by the U.S. to support Iran and the broader Middle East, with Pompeo praising Trump's leadership in addressing regional peace and stability. Chun Hae-sun acknowledged the U.S.' efforts to resolve issues in the Middle East, including the situation in Iran, and expressed South Korea's willingness to contribute practically to the resolution of the Hormuz Strait issue.