Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced plans to clearly explain South Korea's parliamentary procedures to the United States, following President Trump's warning of a potential tariff hike due to delays in Seoul's legislative process related to a bilateral trade deal.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho made these remarks before departing for Washington, where he is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions aim to alleviate concerns within the Trump administration about South Korea's commitment to a US$350 billion investment in the U.S. The threat from Trump to increase tariffs on South Korean goods from 15 to 25 percent has raised fears regarding the stability of the trade agreement. However, Cho has indicated that Trump's remarks do not signify the deal's collapse.

"I will explain in detail to the U.S. side and seek their understanding that the agreements reached between the two governments are in the process of being legislated in accordance with our National Assembly procedures," Cho stated at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. He emphasized his intention to deliver this message to Secretary Rubio, other U.S. officials, and members of the U.S. Congress.

When questioned about the possibility of the U.S. leveraging the trade deal delay to influence negotiations on expanding Seoul's uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing capabilities, Cho dismissed such concerns. He assured that discussions with Secretary Rubio would focus on achieving a swift implementation of the joint fact sheet, which outlines the trade, security, and other agreements.

Cho's visit to Washington also includes attending a U.S.-led ministerial meeting on critical minerals supply chains, scheduled for Wednesday (local time).