Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun, who is visiting the United States, held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on the morning of September 10 (local time). They exchanged views on ways for an early settlement of the situation of Korean nationals detained in Georgia by U.S. authorities, follow-up measures to the ROK-U.S. summit held on Aug. 25, ROK-U.S. high-level exchanges, and issues related to North Korea.
Minister Cho conveyed President Lee Jae Myung’s special regards to President Trump and delivered the President’s message of hope for a further strengthened ROK-U.S. alliance based on the deep bond forged during the successful bilateral summit. Secretary Rubio expressed his appreciation and stated that he would relay President Lee’s regards to President Trump.
Minister Cho expressed deep concern that the public disclosure of the detention process of Korean workers, who had come to the United States to contribute to the Trump administration’s efforts to revitalize the U.S. manufacturing sector by sharing technology and expertise, has caused great distress and shock among the Korean people.
Minister Cho strongly requested the U.S. administration’s special attention and support to ensure that as these individuals are not criminals, they are allowed to leave the United States promptly without physical restraints such as handcuffs and do not face any disadvantages in their future re-entry into the United States. He also proposed the establishment of a new working group between the ROK Foreign Ministry and the U.S. State Department to discuss various relevant measures, including the creation of a new visa category, to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.
Secretary Rubio stated that President Trump, on his part, highly values the outcomes of the ROK-U.S. summit with President Lee, understands the sensitivity of the issue among the Korean public, and has a positive view of Korea’s investment for and contribution to the revitalization of the U.S. economy and manufacturing sector. He noted that, accordingly, President Trump had instructed relevant authorities to promptly hold consultations and take necessary measures as the Korean side requested. He went on to suggest that the two sides cooperate in taking swift follow-up actions.
The Minister and the Secretary also discussed upcoming high-level diplomatic events, including an ROK-U.S. summit. Minister Cho suggested that the outcome document of the summit held in August be made public at an early date and that related follow-up measures be actively implemented. Secretary Rubio responded that the U.S. side would review the matter internally and explore possible options.
The Minister and the Secretary exchanged views on the outcome and implications of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s recent visit to China for China’s Victory Day events. Minister Cho noted that the ROK intends to actively play the role of a “pace-maker” as mentioned by President Lee, and proposed seeking ways for cooperation on North Korea-related issues. Secretary Rubio stated that the United States remains open to dialogue with North Korea and will maintain close coordination with the ROK in this regard.
Following the meeting, the ROK government has been actively engaging in administrative and working-level consultations with the U.S. side and is making every effort to complete all procedures necessary for an early release and return home of the detained Korean nationals.