Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced plans to facilitate President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to China early next year. Cho shared this during a policy briefing to the president, detailing the ministry's diplomatic agenda with significant nations and regions alongside major international issues.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho emphasized the importance of maintaining stable relations with China, especially as South Korea seeks to resume dialogue with North Korea. China, known for being North Korea's traditional ally and a key economic supporter, plays a crucial role in this diplomatic equation.
In relations with the United States, the foreign ministry aims to organize another timely summit between President Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump next year. The focus will be on ensuring that follow-up actions from the agreements reached during the recent summits in August and October are executed effectively. Cho highlighted the goal of achieving progress in sectors such as nuclear-powered submarines, nuclear energy, and shipbuilding. The U.S. has shown commitment to assisting South Korea in its civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful purposes, along with supporting Seoul's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines.
Regarding Japan, Cho mentioned the continuation of "shuttle diplomacy," which involves regular visits between leaders of both nations. The government remains dedicated to maintaining a trilateral cooperation partnership with the U.S. and Japan while also promoting three-way cooperation with China and Japan.
Cho further stated that the ministry intends to sustain essential communication with Russia. Efforts will also be made to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a multilateral trade agreement involving countries such as Japan, Australia, and nations in Southeast Asia and Latin America, to expand economic collaboration. Additionally, the ministry plans to enhance bilateral economic partnerships with Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.