Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Seoul on Monday for talks on their countries' bilateral alliance, efforts to deter North Korean threats, and other key issues, officials said. The discussions occurred amidst political uncertainties following President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his failed martial law attempt.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Blinken's visit marked the first trip by a top U.S. official since Yoon's impeachment, as he arrived in South Korea late Sunday. The talks coincided with North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile into the East Sea, marking its first provocation of the year. The two top diplomats were scheduled to hold a joint press conference following the discussions.
Yoon's surprise martial law imposition raised concerns about its potential impact on the alliance with Washington and policy coordination on North Korean issues, particularly ahead of the launch of the second Donald Trump administration. The U.S. has reiterated its strong support for the "ironclad" alliance with South Korea and expressed confidence in the country's acting leadership, despite the parliamentary impeachment of former acting President Han Duck-soo less than two weeks after Yoon's impeachment.
Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok has assumed the role of acting president, and Blinken paid a courtesy call on Choi before his talks with Cho. The allies have agreed to fully resume bilateral diplomatic and security schedules that were postponed following the martial law situation.
Monday's talks were anticipated to focus on reaffirming their commitment to the alliance and Washington's deterrence against Pyongyang despite the political situation. Cho and Blinken were also expected to discuss the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, as well as Pyongyang's troop deployment to Russia in support of its war against Ukraine.
The discussions were also likely to emphasize their commitment to enhancing trilateral cooperation with Japan, a significant diplomatic achievement for the outgoing Biden administration and its two Asian allies. Announcing the visit last week, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that Blinken aims to meet Seoul officials to explore ways the two nations can "build our critical cooperation on challenges around the world."
The talks will further address strengthening efforts to promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, as well as trilateral efforts with Japan, Miller noted. Blinken is on a three-nation tour this week, with planned stops in Japan and France, marking what is widely expected to be his final overseas visit as the top U.S. diplomat under the Biden administration.