Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who also serves as the Minister of Economy and Finance, met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to Korea on January 6^th. They exchanged views on the ROK-U.S. alliance, trilateral cooperation with Japan, and issues related to North Korea.

Acting President Choi expressed his gratitude for the United States’ consistent support and trust in the ROK-U.S. alliance and Korea’s democracy. He stressed that Secretary Blinken’s visit to Korea serves as a testament to the unwavering strength of the alliance.

Acting President Choi stated that Korea will continue to uphold its steadfast diplomatic and security policies based on the strong ROK-U.S. alliance and ROK-U.S.-Japan cooperation; both countries should continue to make every effort to ensure the implementation of major diplomatic achievements between the U.S. and Korea through the Joint Statement marking the 70^th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance, the Washington Declaration, and the principles and spirit of the Camp David pact among the U.S., Korea, and Japan.

In addition, he called for close communication between the two countries’ diplomatic and security authorities and a strong ROK-U.S. combined defense posture to prepare for any potential provocations by North Korea.

Meanwhile, Secretary Antony Blinken extended his condolences and prayers on behalf of the American people for the Jeju Air plane crash on December 29^th. He also conveyed that the United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance.

Furthermore, Secretary Antony Blinken noted that the U.S., as a friend of Korea, fully trusts the leadership of Acting President Choi as well as the power of Korea’s democracy, underscoring that the U.S. defense commitment to Korea remains unwavering. He also highlighted that the over 70-year-long U.S.-ROK alliance is a cornerstone of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region, with its importance more vital than ever. Moreover, he spoke highly of the trilateral cooperation, including the outcomes of the Camp David Trilateral Summit, expressing great expectations for these achievements to be continuously sustained and expanded going forward.

Please refer to the attached files.