1. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyundong, who is on a visit to the United States, met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman at the Department of State on the afternoon of February 14, and exchanged views on strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the alliance; issues on the Korean Peninsula and extended deterrence; economic security and technology cooperation; and regional and global affairs.

2. The two sides have closely worked together to make more substantive progress in the ROK-U.S alliance and elevate it to a higher level, with this year marking the 70th anniversary of the alliance. They also agreed to continue to further expand the scope and depth of bilateral cooperation so that the people of both countries, especially the younger generations that are the future of the alliance, can feel the benefits of the ROK-U.S. alliance.

3. The two sides reaffirmed that the firm goal of the complete denuclearization of North Korea and the North Korean nuclear issue are a priority for Korea and the U.S., and agreed to continue coordination between the two countries for “real peace” on the Korean Peninsula.

o Deputy Secretary Sherman reaffirmed that the U.S. commitment to the defense of Korea and extended deterrence is ironclad, and the two sides agreed to further strengthen efforts to come up with measures to enhance the effectiveness of extended deterrence, including through the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG) which will meet this year.

o In addition, the two sides agreed to continue encouraging the international community to fully implement UN Security Council resolutions and increasing efforts to block North Korea’s financing of its weapons programs through illicit cyber activities and other methods. They also agreed to strengthen efforts to increase the international community’s awareness of North Korea’s human rights violations.

4. Furthermore, the two sides appreciated that cooperation between Korea and the U.S. is flourishing not only in security, but also in economic security and high-tech fields, including semiconductors, supply chains, quantum and space, and agreed to continue to seek tangible results for common prosperity of the future generations of the two countries.

o Deputy Secretary Sherman said that the U.S. will continue to work to alleviate Korea's concerns regarding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the CHIPS and Science Act.

5. The two sides also exchanged views on key regional and global affairs, including cooperation with the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), the situation in Ukraine, and the promotion of democracy and human rights, as well as the latest situation in the region. They reaffirmed that global partnership between Korea and the U.S. is essential to respond to new threats in the 21st century.