Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced plans to facilitate President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to China early next year during a policy briefing to the president. The briefing outlined the ministry's diplomatic strategies with key countries and addressed significant international issues.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable relationship with China, particularly as South Korea seeks to resume dialogue with North Korea. Recognizing China's role as North Korea's traditional ally and main economic benefactor, Cho underscored the strategic significance of this diplomatic endeavor.
The foreign ministry also aims to arrange a timely summit between President Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump next year. Cho assured that follow-up actions on agreements from recent summits in August and October will be pursued. He highlighted the commitment to progress in areas such as nuclear-powered submarines, nuclear energy, and shipbuilding, with the U.S. supporting South Korea's peaceful use of civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing.
Cho additionally mentioned the continuation of "shuttle diplomacy" with Japan, involving regular leader visits, while maintaining trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan. Efforts will also focus on fostering three-way cooperation with China and Japan.
The foreign ministry aims to maintain communication with Russia and seeks to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade pact involving Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asian and Latin American countries. Bilateral economic partnerships with Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt are also on the agenda.
Addressing interagency tensions, Cho downplayed the perceived rift with the unification ministry over North Korea policy. He acknowledged differing views but emphasized a shared objective with varied approaches. The unification ministry has expressed concerns that foreign ministry-led dialogue with the U.S. may hinder efforts to restore ties with Pyongyang, advocating for its leadership in peace initiatives.
During the briefing, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young proposed inter-Korean projects such as a cross-border high-speed railway and developing the Wonsan Kalma tourist zone in North Korea, contingent on easing international sanctions.
Cho expressed personal support for Chung's vision but stated that any sanctions relief would require a unified decision at the National Security Council level. He committed to diplomatic efforts to support the unification ministry's goals.
In a closed-door session, Cho discussed strategic navigation of South Korea's diplomacy within the current international landscape, including potential outcomes of Russia's war in Ukraine and escalating tensions between China and Japan.