Washington, Dec 4 (NationPress) South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun emphasized the necessity of engaging in diplomacy with North Korea alongside the collaborative efforts of Seoul and Washington to enhance deterrence against escalating threats from the unyielding regime.

During a virtual address at a forum based in Washington on Wednesday (US time), Cho discussed a recently issued joint fact sheet detailing security and trade agreements between South Korea and the United States, which he characterized as outlining a trajectory towards a “future-oriented, comprehensive strategic” alliance between the nations.

Published on November 13, the fact sheet outlines a range of the allies' deterrence initiatives, including President Donald Trump's endorsement of Seoul's endeavor to acquire nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed submarines and Seoul's pledge to augment defense spending to 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product.

“However, deterrence must be complemented by diplomacy,” he stated during the forum co-hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Korea Foundation. “We must avert unintended conflict, de-escalate tensions, and revive dialogue with North Korea.

Both Seoul and Washington have shown their readiness to renew discussions with Pyongyang, although it is unclear whether the regime will respond favorably to continuous dialogue proposals, especially given its increasing dependence on Russia for essential supplies like food and fuel, according to Yonhap news agency.

The minister asserted that the fact sheet reaffirmed the “ironclad” nature of the bilateral alliance and aimed to reinforce peace while preparing for future challenges.

“At the core of this partnership is our mutual commitment to peace and stability,” he remarked. “Securing tranquility on the Korean Peninsula is, therefore, the bedrock of our collective effort.”

Highlighting a diplomatic approach founded on “pragmatism” advocated by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Cho underscored Seoul's “principled” response to the fluctuating geopolitical climate and emphasized the necessity of trilateral cooperation with Japan as “indispensable.”

“Beyond the Korean Peninsula, we must navigate a swiftly changing strategic landscape - including Russia's deepening connections with North Korea, China's increasing influence, and Japan's evolving strategic stance. All these elements shape the environment we must manage,” he stated.

“Korea aims to address these transformations with a principled outlook, mitigating strategic risks while fortifying cooperation channels in Northeast Asia.

He also pledged to continue enhancing collaboration with China and Japan, including through a trilateral framework, despite a recent escalation in tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.

Another crucial aspect of “alliance modernization” involves the strategic economic and technological partnership between the two nations, as highlighted by the diplomat, who referred to a recent bilateral trade and investment agreement.

“Korea and the US are on the brink of initiating a new era of industrial collaboration, enhancing US manufacturing while creating new opportunities for Korean firms,” he noted. “This agreement establishes a foundation for expanded cooperation in sectors such as shipbuilding, energy, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology, among others.”

Equally significant is the US's commitment to support Korea's ambitions to secure uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing capabilities for peaceful applications, as well as Trump's backing for Seoul's initiative to construct nuclear-powered submarines, he remarked.

“These measures will significantly enhance our shared capabilities in next-generation energy, defense, and shipbuilding,” he asserted.

“For over seventy years, the ROK-US alliance has adapted to the currents of history. Our leaders must modernize the alliance in a forward-looking manner to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving environment.”