Washington: South Korea's top envoy to the United States has committed to working closely with the U.S. to create conditions favorable for resuming diplomacy with North Korea. This comes amid uncertainties about whether Pyongyang will engage in dialogue. Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha, who previously served as Seoul's foreign minister from 2017 to 2021, made these remarks during her first meeting with Korean correspondents since assuming her new role last month.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang emphasized the importance of securing U.S. support for South Korea's policy towards North Korea. She stated that the South Korean government, in collaboration with the U.S., aims to act as both a "peacemaker and a pacemaker" to foster conditions conducive to inter-Korean dialogue and discussions between North Korea and the U.S. These terms were notably used by President Lee Jae Myung during his White House summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in August, highlighting his commitment to U.S.-South Korea cooperation for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Kang noted that through two summits between President Lee and President Trump, including one held in Korea last month, the two nations have agreed to work closely for peace and stability on the peninsula. They concurred on the critical role of communication with North Korea. Kang highlighted the complex international environment, which poses numerous challenges and uncertainties, and expressed her sense of responsibility to implement the Lee administration's pragmatic diplomacy. This approach is to be supported by a strong, future-oriented alliance with the U.S.

Kang remarked on the successful reciprocal visits between the leaders of South Korea and the U.S. within five months of the Lee administration's launch. These visits resulted in agreements on trade and security, marking a new phase for the South Korea-U.S. alliance. She expressed confidence that the trust and cooperative spirit between Presidents Lee and Trump will underpin the development of this alliance.

At the embassy, Kang pledged that efforts will be made to ensure the successful implementation of diplomatic outcomes with the U.S. without any setbacks, reinforcing the commitment to the alliance's progress.