Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced on Tuesday his intention to hold a one-on-one meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the first quarter of the upcoming year. The anticipated discussions aim to address significant maritime disputes and cultural exchange issues between Seoul and Beijing.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho revealed his plan during a Cabinet meeting with President Lee Jae Myung, emphasizing the need to resolve ongoing disagreements, particularly concerning China's construction of steel structures in contested areas of the Yellow Sea and the unofficial embargo on Korean pop culture content. In response to President Lee's inquiry about progress in diplomatic engagements with Beijing, Cho expressed optimism, stating, "We believe it is getting better."

The foreign ministry echoed Cho's intentions, confirming that the proposed meeting would provide a platform for comprehensive dialogue on a wide array of bilateral issues. The potential talks follow a recent summit between President Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. During this visit, President Lee reported that China is expected to dismantle one of three contentious steel platforms in the Yellow Sea.

The developments mark a hopeful step towards diplomatic reconciliation and enhanced cooperation between the two nations, building on the momentum from the leaders' summit earlier this month.