South Korea and U.S. Coordinate on North Korea Nuclear Policy

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call on August 24 to coordinate efforts regarding North Korea's nuclear issue and peace on the Korean Peninsula. The diplomats agreed to maintain close communication and a solid combined defense posture.

The talks occurred as concerns grew that President Donald Trump's recent conciliatory gestures toward North Korean leader Kim Jong-un might signal a shift away from the goal of complete denuclearization. These gestures included scaling back joint military exercises and expressing a desire for Trump to meet with Kim.

Beyond the Korean Peninsula, the two officials agreed to address pending bilateral issues, including security cooperation and tariffs. The discussion also covered a $350 billion investment pledge from South Korea to the United States. Additionally, Cho Hyun expressed South Korea's commitment to helping restore free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.