1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha had a luncheon meeting with Secretary of State of the United States Mike Pompeo in Washington, D.C., the U.S., on November 9 (local time), and discussed issues of mutual interest, including the Republic of Korea-U.S. relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and regional and global affairs.

2. Minister Kang and Secretary Pompeo shared the view that the two countries should continue efforts to advance the ROK-U.S. relations and make progress in the Korean Peninsula peace process based on the staunch ROK-U.S. alliance, and agreed to continue communication and consultations at various levels between the diplomatic authorities of the two countries.

o Regarding the Korean Peninsula issue, the two sides shared their assessments of the current situation, and stressed that they will maintain close coordination between the two countries in order to stably manage the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

o In addition, the two sides noted with appreciation that the ROK-U.S. alliance has taken root as a comprehensive strategic alliance that strengthens cooperation not only on security but also on economic, regional and global issues, and exchanged views on various alliance issues.

3. The two sides also noted that despite limitations posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have been continuing cooperation and exchanges including mutual visits by high-level officials as well as travelers, business people, and students without border closure and entry restrictions, while making efforts to maintain meticulous disease prevention system.

o Furthermore, the two sides had a broad exchange of views on a range of regional and global issues, including ways to overcome the global health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. The two sides exchanged views on the selection of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, and agreed to continue consultations on the matter.