Wi Seong-lak, the National Security Office Chief, met with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C., on the 7th (local time) and agreed to cooperate for reciprocal tariff negotiations, the Presidential Office reported. In particular, the U.S. side suggested maintaining 'close communication' until the actual tariff imposition date on the 1st of next month. This indicates that there is time to conduct additional negotiations, as they have pushed back the existing deadline for the reciprocal tariff suspension by about three weeks.

Deputy Minister Wi Sung-lak is leaving for the United States through Incheon International Airport on the 6th morning. He plans to discuss current issues, including tariffs, with U.S. officials. /Courtesy of News1

According to the Presidential Office, Wi and Minister Rubio deeply discussed measures to develop Korea-U.S. relations, including high-level exchanges, during the Korea-U.S. Security Chief consultation that day.

Our side expressed hopes that the two countries would confer on developing the alliance based on the spirit of alliance and that the Korea-U.S. Security Chiefs would closely cooperate. In particular, it was noted that they hope to hold a Korea-U.S. summit soon to advance reciprocal results on various issues.

In response, the U.S. side expressed agreement, saying, 'A letter regarding tariffs for major countries, including Korea, was sent today, but there is time until the actual tariff imposition date of August 1' and added, 'We hope that the two countries communicate closely to reach an agreement before then.'

Lee Jae-myung, the president, also mentioned the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance. Wi said at this meeting, 'The practical diplomacy of our government is based on the solid Korea-U.S. alliance,' adding, 'The two sides should continue to closely cooperate so that the Korea-U.S. alliance, which has a history of over 70 years, can strengthen even further amid the changing security environment.'

The cooperation between the shipbuilding industries of Korea and the U.S. was also discussed. The Presidential Office stated, 'The two sides agreed that consolidating the capabilities from various sectors, including government and industry, is key to deriving practical and reciprocal cooperation measures in this area' and indicated they would coordinate closely. The two countries also agreed to continue closely communicating about current issues and the future development of the Korea-U.S. alliance.

Karoline Leavitt, White House spokesperson, said during a briefing the same day that President Trump is expected to sign an executive order extending the expiration date of the reciprocal tariff suspension to the 1st of next month. Previously, the Trump administration had decided to suspend the reciprocal tariffs imposed at rates of 10 to 50% by country until July 8 for 90 days. However, the effective date of the reciprocal tariffs has been postponed to August 1.