Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun, who is visiting the United States, met with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on the afternoon of August 22 (Fri), local time, and held a preparatory consultation ahead of President Lee Jae Myung’s first visit to the United States. Andrew C. Baker, Deputy National Security Advisor and National Security Advisor to the Vice President, also attended the meeting.

Minister Cho underscored the historic significance and importance of the upcoming ROK-U.S. summit and requested Secretary Rubio’s special efforts to ensure its success. Secretary Rubio concurred with the significance and implications of the first summit between the two leaders and expressed his expectation that it would be a constructive and productive meeting yielding mutual benefits for both sides, adding that he would do his utmost to that end.

The two sides reviewed the forward-looking agenda items to be discussed at the ROK-U.S. summit, as well as deliverables in various fields including security, economy, and technology. They took note of the tariff agreement reached on July 30, and agreed to continue encouraging ongoing consultations between the trade authorities so that the remaining unresolved issues could be smoothly narrowed down.

The two sides exchanged views on Korea-Japan relations and trilateral ROK-U.S.-Japan cooperation. In particular, Secretary Rubio stated that he viewed President Lee’s decision to visit Japan prior to his U.S. visit as a wise choice, and added that the United States would continue efforts to further strengthen trilateral cooperation among the three countries.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues related to North Korea and regional developments. Minister Cho explained the ROK’s commitment to dialogue with North Korea and its efforts to build trust for peace on the Korean Peninsula. The two sides agreed to continue close coordination on their North Korea-related policies.

Meanwhile, Minister Cho met U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick at the White House, and requested his active role in swiftly concluding the follow-up consultations on the tariff agreement to ensure smooth preparations for the upcoming summit.