Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has urged the United States to engage in bilateral discussions regarding tariffs and other related issues, allowing enough time in light of South Korea's upcoming presidential election on June 3. The request was made during a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, as reported by the foreign ministry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho emphasized the importance of these talks as South Korea aims to secure exemptions from the Trump administration's "reciprocal" and sectoral tariffs. The goal is to negotiate a "July package" agreement concerning trade, economic, and industrial cooperation before the expiration of President Donald Trump's 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs on July 8.
The ministry highlighted that Cho stressed the need to strengthen the alliance through a robust combined defense posture against North Korea and close cooperation in finding a mutually beneficial solution during the ongoing tariff consultations between South Korean and U.S. trade authorities.
Cho also requested Rubio to acknowledge South Korea's status as a key U.S. ally and a nation with a free trade agreement with the U.S. in these discussions. Rubio, in response, assured his active cooperation, the ministry noted.
Furthermore, Cho expressed appreciation for the U.S.'s steadfast support for South Korea during its political transition and requested Rubio's assistance in facilitating a phone conversation between the new South Korean president and President Trump immediately following the presidential election.
Rubio reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment, including Trump's, to valuing and reinforcing the South Korea-U.S. alliance. He called for continued efforts to enhance the bilateral alliance, which he stated is built on three pillars: a mutual defense treaty, the allies' strong defense capabilities including extended deterrence, and the economic and technology partnership.