Seoul: The South Korean government is working to arrange the first phone conversation between acting President Choi Sang-mok and U.S. President Donald Trump, Choi's office said Monday. "An official request has been made through the foreign ministry," Kang Young-kyu, a spokesperson for the finance ministry, said during a press briefing, adding that a response is expected based on the U.S. administration's availability.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi, who assumed interim leadership in December, has yet to establish direct communication with Trump, who took office last month for a second term. The planned phone call is seen as an important step for South Korea to discuss key diplomatic and economic issues directly with the U.S. administration. The South Korean government anticipates that establishing this line of communication will help in fostering stronger ties between the two nations.