Are South Korea and the US Discussing Regular Meetings to Align North Korea Policy?
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Synopsis
Seoul and Washington are actively negotiating a routine meeting to coordinate their North Korea strategies. This development aims to rejuvenate stalled diplomatic talks with Pyongyang, despite persistent silence from the North. The commitment to peace and stability in the region remains a priority as both nations seek to enhance their alliance.
Key Takeaways
- Regular meetings between South Korea and the US are being discussed to align strategies on North Korea.
- Both nations aim to encourage dialogue with Pyongyang amidst ongoing tensions.
- The commitment to denuclearisation remains a shared goal.
- Enhancing deterrence while pursuing diplomacy is critical.
- The recent joint fact sheet emphasizes the ironclad nature of the US-South Korea alliance.
Seoul, Dec 9 (NationPress) South Korea and the United States are currently engaged in talks to establish a routine meeting aimed at aligning their strategies regarding North Korea, as stated by the Foreign Ministry of Seoul on Tuesday.
During a regular press briefing, spokesperson Park Il announced that discussions at the working level have been ongoing for several months to finalize the details of this proposed meeting.
"Through this meeting, we intend to explore the overall policy framework concerning North Korea, including strategies to encourage the North to return to the dialogue table," Park noted, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
According to reports, Seoul and Washington have come to an agreement on the necessity of having a consistent channel for timely consultations on issues related to North Korea. However, officials clarified that the establishment of a permanent consultative body is not being considered.
This initiative coincides with the Lee Jae Myung administration's efforts to repair strained relations with North Korea and to resume discussions, despite Pyongyang's lack of response to Seoul's peace initiatives.
US President Donald Trump has voiced his desire to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to revive stalled diplomatic efforts.
On Monday, Kevin Kim, the Acting US Ambassador to South Korea, reaffirmed that the policy of achieving complete denuclearisation of North Korea remains a shared goal with South Korea, despite its absence in a recent U.S. security strategy document.
On December 3, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun reiterated the importance of pursuing diplomacy with North Korea alongside collaborative efforts by Seoul and Washington to enhance deterrence against the escalating threats from the unyielding regime.
Cho delivered remarks via video at a forum based in Washington, addressing a recently released joint fact sheet on security and trade agreements between South Korea and the United States, which he described as outlining a pathway toward a future-oriented, comprehensive strategic alliance.
Published on November 13, the fact sheet details the allies' deterrent actions, including President Trump's endorsement of Seoul's initiative to acquire nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed submarines and Seoul's commitment to boosting defense spending to 3.5% of its GDP.
"However, deterrence must be complemented with diplomacy,” Cho emphasized during the forum jointly organized by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and the Korea Foundation. "We need to avert unintended conflict, de-escalate tensions, and restore dialogue with North Korea."
Both Seoul and Washington have expressed their readiness to re-initiate discussions with Pyongyang, but it remains unclear whether the regime will respond to repeated overtures at a time when its dependency on Russia for essential resources has intensified in recent years.
The minister stated that the fact sheet confirmed the ironclad nature of the bilateral alliance and aimed to strengthen peace while preparing for future challenges.
"At the core of this partnership is our mutual commitment to peace and stability," he remarked. "Thus, securing peace on the Korean Peninsula remains the foundation of our cooperative effort."
Point of View
This ongoing dialogue between South Korea and the United States reflects a proactive approach to regional stability. The commitment to enhance deterrence while also pursuing diplomatic avenues showcases the importance of collaboration in addressing the North Korean issue. Maintaining a united front is crucial in navigating the complexities of inter-Korean relations and fostering peace in the region.
NationPress
09/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the proposed regular meetings between South Korea and the US?
The regular meetings aim to coordinate policies regarding North Korea, including strategies to encourage dialogue and address ongoing tensions.
Who announced the discussions about the regular meetings?
The discussions were announced by Park Il, spokesperson for South Korea's Foreign Ministry.
Is there a plan to establish a permanent consultative body?
No, officials have indicated that there are no plans to create a permanent consultative body at this time.
How does the US plan to engage with North Korea?
The US is considering various diplomatic approaches to resume talks with North Korea, including direct meetings with its leader, Kim Jong-un.
What is the significance of the recent joint fact sheet between South Korea and the US?
The joint fact sheet outlines security and trade agreements, reaffirming the strength of the bilateral alliance and the commitment to peace and stability in the region.
