South Korea Prepares for Potential Restart of US-North Korea Talks with Trump: FM Cho
Click to start listening
Seoul, Dec 18 (NationPress) South Korea is taking steps to ensure it is prepared to engage with the new US administration under President-elect Donald Trump, should the halted nuclear discussions with North Korea restart, according to the country's top diplomat on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made these comments during a press briefing with foreign reporters in Seoul, emphasizing the nation’s readiness to respond decisively to any provocations from Pyongyang, drawing on its strong alliance with Washington, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
"We will formulate plans and strategies before the new US administration assumes office, which will prepare us for the possibility of negotiations between the US and North Korea," Cho stated in his opening remarks.
"We will manage affairs on the Korean Peninsula in a stable manner, while staying fully prepared to respond decisively in the face of provocations from North Korea," he added.
During his first term, Trump held three meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un regarding nuclear discussions; however, these negotiations have remained stalled since their summit in Hanoi ended without an agreement in early 2019.
In a recent interview with TIME magazine, Trump reiterated that he has a good relationship with Kim Jong-un, claiming he is the "only one" Kim has ever interacted with.
Wednesday's press briefing, also attended by Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, was held as South Korea aims to alleviate concerns regarding potential delays and disruptions in government operations following President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over a failed martial law attempt.
Yoon is currently suspended from his duties, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo serving as acting president.
"We will do everything possible to restore normalcy in our diplomatic efforts and rebuild international trust," Cho stated. "We will ensure our foreign policy and national security are error-free."
Cho indicated that the ministry will also strive to maintain momentum in trilateral cooperation with the US and Japan, reaffirming the commitment to advance preparations with Japan for next year’s 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
