Seoul: U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he and South Korea's acting President Han Duck-soo engaged in discussions regarding Seoul's financial contributions towards U.S. military protection, as well as South Korea's substantial trade surplus with the U.S., during their first phone conversation since Trump's inauguration.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump shared details of the discussion through a social media post, highlighting the range of topics covered, including the purchase of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) and bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding. The conversation took place shortly after South Korea's Constitutional Court ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol following his brief imposition of martial law.
Trump expressed satisfaction with the call, stating that discussions included South Korea's significant trade surplus and tariffs, as well as a joint venture in an Alaska Pipeline. He also criticized President Joe Biden for terminating a previous military payment agreement established during Trump's first term, which he described as a beneficial deal for both nations.
Additionally, Trump mentioned that a top South Korean delegation was en route to the U.S. for negotiations, signaling optimism about potential agreements. The call marks a significant engagement between the two nations amidst political and diplomatic uncertainties in Seoul, following recent leadership changes and ongoing issues such as North Korea's military threats.
The phone conversation, lasting 28 minutes, was the first leader-level engagement between Seoul and Washington since Trump's administration began. It underscores the urgency for South Korea to address various bilateral issues with the U.S., amid a leadership vacuum and recent political upheaval.
Han, who has been serving as acting president following Yoon's impeachment, resumed his duties after the top court dismissed his own impeachment two weeks ago. During Han's suspension, there was no communication between Trump and the then acting President Choi Sang-mok.