Washington: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to hold their first talks in Washington next Thursday, just before the August 1 tariff deadline set by the United States.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Seoul has been negotiating with Washington to facilitate Cho's visit for a direct meeting with Rubio as soon as possible. South Korea aims to secure a trade agreement with the U.S. to reduce the 25 percent reciprocal tariff and sectoral duties imposed by the Donald Trump administration on South Korean products.
Diplomatic sources indicated on Friday that South Korea and the U.S. have tentatively agreed to schedule a meeting between Cho and Rubio on July 31, Seoul time, just in time to address the impending tariff deadline. However, there is growing concern over whether the two nations can achieve a resolution before the deadline, especially after Washington unexpectedly canceled high-level trade discussions.
The previously planned "2+2" talks involving finance and trade officials from both countries were abruptly delayed on Thursday due to an unspecified "urgent schedule" from the U.S. side. This has led to speculation that the tariff negotiations may face challenges.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, who returned from his U.S. trip on Thursday, confirmed that he was unable to meet Rubio in person due to Rubio's tight schedule. Instead, Wi mentioned that they communicated via phone calls.
To alleviate concerns about the uncertain outlook of the tariff discussions, Wi highlighted his meetings with key officials from the Trump administration, such as Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Wi noted that their discussions encompassed not only tariffs but also broader issues related to security and the alliance between the two countries.
Wi expressed that the tariff negotiations were "nearing an end" and at a "critical juncture." While tariffs are anticipated to be a central topic in Cho's discussions with Rubio, Cho is also expected to utilize his visit to discuss the scheduling of President Lee Jae Myung's visit to the U.S. for a summit with Trump.