S. Korea, US vow to coordinate closely on resolution to N. Korean nuclear issue

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone on Monday, agreeing to maintain close communication and cooperation on resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula, according to the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Cho reportedly assured Rubio that South Korea will support US President Donald Trump's recent directive to resume US-North Korea talks and to scale back US-Korea joint military exercises.

The call, requested by the Korean government, aimed to clarify the Korean government's stance on Trump's dissatisfaction with Seoul over its lack of support in the Middle East. During the conversation, they discussed various alliance topics, including tariffs, foreign investments, and security negotiations. Cho praised Trump's leadership in addressing Middle East issues, while emphasizing South Korea's commitment to contributing to the Strait of Hormuz's free passage and ongoing discussions on the matter.