Washington: South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac has embarked on a significant trip to Washington, D.C., for discussions with his U.S. counterparts. His agenda includes a variety of pressing issues, notably the possibility of arranging a summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during his three-day visit, Wi plans to address the United States' changing tariff strategy, which entails imposing 25 percent reciprocal duties on South Korean goods, along with specific tariffs on products like automobiles and steel. He emphasized that South Korea and the U.S. have been in close discussions regarding trade and security matters, and his visit aims to strengthen these consultations. Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport, Wi highlighted the critical timing of his visit, which follows earlier discussions at the NATO summit.
Wi's trip marks his first to the U.S. since assuming his role last month. It coincides with the impending expiration of a 90-day suspension on U.S. reciprocal tariffs. This visit is part of broader diplomatic efforts, as South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo is also in Washington to lead trade negotiations. Wi stated that Yeo's visit aligns with the government's comprehensive approach to addressing the current situation.
Regarding the potential presidential summit, Wi confirmed that it is a topic in his upcoming discussions, and he expressed his intention to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Wi's trip follows the recent cancellation of a planned visit to Seoul by Rubio, which has raised concerns about the lack of high-level exchanges between the two nations since the political upheaval triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt at martial law, leading to his ousting.