Press Briefing

Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Affairs Choi Youngsam

March 11, 2021  14:30  KST

Good afternoon. Let me start today’s briefing.

As stated in the press release issued late last evening, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is visiting Korea from March 17 to 18.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong will have a meeting with Secretary Blinken on March 17 and exchange opinions on a broad range of topics including Korea-U.S. relations, the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, and regional and global issues.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is also visiting Korea from March 17 to 19, and the two countries will hold the 5th Korea-U.S. Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting.

The visit by Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin is the first U.S. ministerial-level visit to Korea since the inauguration of the Biden administration, and is expected to strengthen coordination on Korean Peninsula, regional and global issues, and provide an opportunity to further develop the Korea-U.S. alliance.

With today marking the 10^th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Korean government once again extends deep consolation to the bereaved families and the people of Japan, who suffered massive damage and sorrow from the disaster.

For your information, Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong delivered a message of solace in his letter to Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan MotegiToshimitsu yesterday.

Back then, it was very impressive to see the Japanese people making efforts to overcome the difficult situation with dignity. The people of Korea, on our part, shared their pain and rendered sincere support as close neighbors.

The Korean government will continue efforts for the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations, including cooperation on response to COVID-19, natural disasters and the spread of infectious diseases.

(A question-and-answer session followed.)