On the occasion of his visit to the United States, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoonjoo held a ROK-U.S. Vice Foreign Ministers’ meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at the U.S. Department of State on the morning of December 1 (local time) and exchanged views, with a focus on follow-up measures to the ROK-U.S. summit.

This was the first high-level meeting between the two sides after the reciprocal visits by the leaders of the two countries in August and October. The two officials welcomed the adoption of the “Joint Fact Sheet” (Nov. 14), which encompasses the agreements reached between the two leaders. They shared the view that working-level consultative mechanisms in key areas such as nuclear energy, shipbuilding, and nuclear-powered submarines should be initiated at an early date in order to ensure the swift and faithful implementation of follow-up measures.

In particular, Vice Minister Park requested the prompt initiation of ROK-U.S. consultative procedures for Korea’s civil uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing. Deputy Secretary Landau stated that the two sides should continue close communication on this matter. The two sides also committed to working together toward tangible progress in ROK-U.S. consultations on nuclear-powered submarines and shipbuilding cooperation.

Vice Minister Park also explained the ROK’s efforts to implement the “Joint Fact Sheet” and requested that the U.S. take corresponding measures such as tariff reductions at an early date.

Regarding the improvement of the U.S. visa system, the two officials commended the substantive progress made based on the discussions during Deputy Secretary Landau’s visit to Korea in September, including the launch of a dedicated visa consultation desk for Korean companies. Vice Minister Park requested Deputy Secretary Landau’s continued attention to ensure the smooth and stable entry of Korean business people and technical experts into the United States.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of his visit to the United States, Vice Minister Park will hold a separate dinner with officials in charge of Korean Peninsula affairs at the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) and the Department of State to exchange views on faithfully implementing follow-up measures to the summit and on DPRK policy.