South Korea and the United States have discussed Seoul’s possible role in Middle East security, as the two countries continue negotiations over a planned $350 billion South Korean investment package in the United States.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday. The talks came amid tensions over delays in finalising agreements linked to South Korea’s investment commitments.
Cho told Rubio that Seoul was willing to make a “substantive contribution” to efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, according to South Korea’s foreign ministry.
However, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Seoul would not deploy military assets to the Middle East in a way that could draw the country into the conflict. He said the government was considering a greater role in protecting navigation in the region.
The two countries are also working to resolve disagreements over the investment package. South Korea had pledged to invest $350 billion in US projects under a trade agreement that helped reduce US tariffs on South Korean imports to 15%.
President Lee said concerns about the commercial viability of some projects had become a major issue in negotiations, although he said the two sides were approaching an agreement.
During the meeting, Rubio stressed the need for rapid implementation of South Korea’s investment commitments. Both sides also agreed to continue cooperation in strategic sectors, including semiconductors.
North Korea was another topic of discussion. Rubio and Cho reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearisation of North Korea, while Seoul said it would support efforts to restart talks between Washington and Pyongyang.
Lee also said a possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could take place in the coming months, although no such meeting has been confirmed.
Tags
World News