Foreign Minister Cho Hyun Heads to Washington to Discuss Troop Deployment to the Strait of Hormuz

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, departing for Washington on the 17th for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, laid out his position on the question of deploying troops to the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport, Cho said, "While South Korea will participate in international cooperation, the safety of our citizens and freedom of navigation through the strait will be reviewed first."

Cho is set to meet Secretary Rubio in Washington on the 18th to discuss Korean Peninsula issues and regional developments, with the talks also expected to examine the prospects for renewed North Korea–U.S. dialogue. Based on what President Trump has said, Cho said South Korea would welcome a breakthrough in North Korea–U.S. relations, but the government would confirm contingency plans to ensure it is not left out of the process.

On the postponement of the National Assembly briefing on South Korea's first investment project in the United States, originally planned for the 17th, Cho said, "My understanding is that this was due not to differences of opinion between Seoul and Washington, but rather to the need to sort out domestic procedural issues." He noted that the U.S. investment issue would be addressed during the summit talks as part of a broader review of bilateral relations, adding, "On any matters that run counter to our national interest or diverge from our position, we will explain them in detail and maintain a clear stance."

On the construction of nuclear-powered submarines and the resumption of security negotiations, Cho said he would move swiftly to coordinate with Washington and push for the early implementation of the Joint Fact Sheet (JFS) agreed at the two most recent South Korea–U.S. summits.