1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul held his first ROK–U.S. Foreign Ministers' Meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the morning of Saturday, February 15, on the occasion of the Munich Security Conference. The two sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including the ROK–U.S. alliance, the North Korean nuclear issue, ROK–U.S.–Japan trilateral cooperation, and bilateral economic cooperation.

2. Minister Cho emphasized that the Republic of Korea is the best partner in building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous alliance, and proposed that under the new U.S. administration, the two countries further expand and strengthen cooperation on North Korea policy coordination, extended deterrence, and trilateral cooperation with Japan, as well as investment and economic cooperation.

3. Secretary Rubio agreed, reaffirming that the United States, as a country that shares the values of liberal democracy, places great importance on its relationship with the Republic of Korea and is committed to maintaining a stable and trustworthy partnership, regardless of domestic political circumstances.

4. The two ministers agreed to work closely together in the formulation and implementation of North Korea policy, reaffirming their shared commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea. They also shared concerns regarding the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, and agreed to continue close coordination and monitoring of the situation.

5. Minister Cho highlighted the achievements of Korea’s proactive investment efforts in the United States aimed at ensuring future prosperity, and called for the continued support of the U.S. and the maintenance of a favorable environment to sustain and expand these efforts. The two ministers shared the view that shipbuilding, energy-including nuclear and LNG-and advanced technologies are key areas for future strategic cooperation between Korea and the U.S. and agreed to actively work together to deepen collaboration in these fields.

6. On the issue of tariff, Minister Cho expressed his willingness to resolve the matter through close bilateral consultations and called for mutually beneficial solutions. Secretary Rubio responded by suggesting continued discussions between the relevant agencies.