Will South Korean FM Meet Rubio at G7 Amid Joint Document Delay?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The potential meeting between Cho Hyun and Marco Rubio could address significant trade and defense topics.
- The joint fact sheet is crucial for detailing agreements from the recent summit.
- Delays in the document's release are linked to US internal reviews over security matters.
- Seoul's initiative for nuclear submarine fuel supplies is a key focus.
- The G7 gathering includes discussions with other nations beyond member states.
Seoul, Nov 11 (NationPress) South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun may have an opportunity to engage with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during this week's Group of Seven (G7) ministerial meeting in Canada. Attention is focused on whether they will address the delay in the unveiling of a joint document concerning trade and defense.
Cho traveled to Niagara Falls on Tuesday to participate in the expanded sessions of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting. He is anticipated to have brief discussions with counterparts from G7 nations and guest countries such as Australia, India, and Saudi Arabia, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
This gathering presents a chance for Cho to connect with Rubio, who will also be attending, to deliberate on the postponed release of a joint fact sheet that is expected to outline the outcomes from the recent summit discussions between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump.
The anticipated joint fact sheet has garnered significant attention as it is likely to reveal the agreements made during the leaders' summit held on October 29, alongside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Gyeongju.
Key points in this document include both nations' strategies and commitments regarding Seoul's initiative to secure fuel supplies for nuclear-powered submarines, with Trump indicating support for this initiative.
Furthermore, it is expected to specify details on South Korea's USD 350 billion investment commitment in return for the US reducing tariffs on South Korean exports from 25 percent to 15 percent.
Despite initial expectations that the joint fact sheet would be released shortly after the summit, it remains unpublished, primarily due to an ongoing internal evaluation in Washington.
Officials in Seoul have suggested that prolonged coordination among relevant US government agencies over security issues is causing the delay, likely related to the nuclear submarine discussions.
Whether Cho and Rubio will meet remains uncertain, but if a meeting occurs, the joint fact sheet will likely be a significant topic of discussion.