Seoul: The nominee for foreign minister, Cho Hyun, has expressed his commitment to establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula by facilitating dialogue between North Korea and the United States. If appointed, this initiative will be a top foreign policy priority for the Lee Jae Myung government. Cho made these remarks following his nomination by the president for the top diplomat position, emphasizing his dedication to realizing Lee's vision of peace.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho stated that fostering dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea is a primary goal of the Lee Jae Myung administration's foreign and unification policy. He conveyed his intentions to work closely with the United States and allied nations to ensure seamless progress towards this objective. Cho underscored the importance of careful coordination and thorough discussions in addressing North Korean issues amidst the uncertain geopolitical climate.
Cho also noted that managing inter-Korean relations requires collective efforts from various sectors, including the government, the National Assembly, civil society, and the public. When questioned about handling alliance issues with the U.S., such as President Donald Trump's tariff hikes and defense cost-sharing demands, Cho advocated for a "calm and wise" approach consistent with Lee's pragmatic diplomacy.
Cho highlighted the necessity of moving away from traditional diplomatic practices, such as prioritizing high-level visits to Washington at the start of a new administration. However, he acknowledged that a visit to Washington would likely be his initial task upon assuming office. Addressing relations with Russia and China, Cho described them as challenging but essential issues that must be considered within a broader foreign policy context.
Furthermore, Cho emphasized the importance of advancing bilateral relations with Japan through innovative approaches while carefully addressing historical issues. As a retired veteran diplomat with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy and trade issues, Cho expressed a deep sense of responsibility and pledged to support the Lee administration in navigating the complex landscape of international relations.
Cho's illustrious diplomatic career includes serving as the first and second vice ministers under the Moon Jae-in government and as South Korea's ambassador to the United Nations from 2019 to 2022. His nomination signifies a strategic choice aimed at bolstering South Korea's foreign policy framework during a critical period in international affairs.