FM Cho vows continued diplomatic efforts to revive N.K.-U.S. dialogue

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun pledged Thursday that South Korea will persist in diplomatic efforts to rekindle dialogue between North Korea and the United States, acknowledging U.S. President Donald Trump's determination to engage with Pyongyang. During his keynote address at the Seoul Diplomacy Forum 2026, themed "Changing International Order and Global Governance," Cho spoke at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy.

"We will persist in our diplomatic endeavors to facilitate the re-establishment of the U.S.-DPRK dialogue," said Cho, referring to North Korea by its official designation, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "In this regard, we take note of President Trump's persistent interest in peace on the Korean Peninsula and his willingness to resume dialogue with the DPRK, as evidenced in his recent communications," he added.

In late October, Trump announced his intention to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later in the year while ordering a reduction in a major joint South Korea-U.S. military exercise, citing his "very good" relationship with Kim. Cho expressed confidence that such dialogue would pave the way for a comprehensive denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.