Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun attended the luncheon of the 36th Korea-U.S. Business Council Meeting on Thursday, October 15. In his keynote speech, he underscored the Korean government’s commitment to further advancing the Korea-U.S. alliance.

Minister Cho noted that President Lee Jae Myung’s vision of “Irreplaceable Korea” aptly captures the strategic value of the Republic of Korea-U.S. relationship. He emphasized that, with its strengths in strategic industries such as semiconductors, batteries, nuclear energy, and shipbuilding, Korea has become an indispensable partner in revitalizing American manufacturing and strengthening supply chain resilience, and that the Korea-U.S. alliance has truly evolved into an irreplaceable one that serves as a linchpin of prosperity for both countries.

In particular, Minister Cho noted that the leaders of the two countries have laid out the vision of a future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance. He underscored that the Korea-U.S. strategic investment projects announced earlier this month mark a historic milestone in advancing the vision. He added that the Korean government will do its utmost to further accelerate progress in other areas including shipbuilding and nuclear cooperation, building on the Joint Fact Sheet announced last November.

Minister Cho also welcomed the continued expansion of bilateral trade and investment, as well as deeper cooperation on economic security based on the shared objectives of diversifying supply chains and enhancing resilience. He emphasized that the Korean government will continue to work closely with the U.S. to ensure that companies from both countries can conduct business smoothly in each other’s markets.

Finally, Minister Cho reaffirmed the Korean government’s commitment to continuing to work more closely with the U.S. to address challenges together through mutual respect, frank dialogue, and a shared commitment to the great alliance. He also stressed that the Korean government will step up communication with the Korea-U.S. Business Council and the business communities in both countries.