On the 9th, National Security Deputy Minister Wi Seong-rak met with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C., and noted, "We suggested that a South Korea-U.S. summit be held as soon as possible and encouraged a process to create mutually beneficial agreements on various issues," adding, "Minister Rubio also expressed his agreement."

On the 9th, National Security Office Chief Wi Seon-lak is holding a briefing on tariff negotiations and defense costs at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul. /Courtesy of News1

Deputy Minister Wi, after returning from a two-day, four-night schedule of South Korea-U.S. security chief consultations, stated at a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office, "On the 7th, we engaged in in-depth discussions with Minister Rubio at the White House regarding the issues facing both countries and high-level exchanges, as well as ways to strengthen the alliance."

Deputy Minister Wi said, "At that time, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a letter warning of reciprocal tariffs against 14 countries, including Korea, and we also had serious discussions on how to approach trade negotiations going forward," adding, "I explained that our government has put a lot of effort into addressing these issues in just over a month since the new administration was inaugurated."

At this meeting, Deputy Minister Wi proposed to Minister Rubio efforts to develop the South Korea-U.S. alliance, a "package" agreement on reciprocal tariffs covering trade, investment, procurement, and security, as well as extracting mutually beneficial agreements through a South Korea-U.S. summit. Deputy Minister Wi conveyed that Minister Rubio also expressed his agreement on these points.

Deputy Minister Wi explained, "I mentioned that our government has devoted significant effort to addressing these issues and emphasized that it would be helpful to work together towards a resolution within the framework of developing the alliance and strengthening trust relationships," stating, "It appears that President Trump's letter was centered around tariffs and non-tariff barriers, but I suggested advancing discussions considering a comprehensive package that encompasses trade, investment, procurement, and security-related aspects."

He continued, "There will be opportunities to reach agreements on reciprocal tariffs before August 1, so let's closely communicate between South Korea and the U.S. during that period to achieve an agreement," adding, "The South Korean and U.S. deputy ministers will continue to communicate closely to discuss pressing issues and ways to develop the alliance."

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