Seoul: The top diplomats of South Korea and the United States have agreed to continue "close" communication and cooperation to address North Korea's nuclear issue and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula during a call, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday. According to Yonhap News Agency, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held phone talks on Monday, as U.S. President Donald Trump recently declined to answer a question about whether his goal in reengaging with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is denuclearization. This has raised concerns that the United States could acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear-armed state. "The minister and secretary agreed to continue close communication and cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. for peace on the Korean Peninsula and the resolution of North Korea's nuclear issue while maintaining a solid combined defense posture," the ministry said in a press release. Cho stated that the South Korean government will endeavor to ensure that Tr ump's recent message for North Korea will lead to the resumption of dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang, aiming for peace on the peninsula. The minister was apparently referencing Trump's remarks last week, expressing expectations to meet Kim later this year. Trump's remarks came after his directive to scale back South Korea-U.S. military exercises, interpreted as a conciliatory gesture toward Pyongyang. The top diplomats noted recent shifts in international circumstances and reaffirmed their shared understanding that close communication between South Korea and the U.S. is crucial. The diplomats also agreed to collaborate on enhancing bilateral relations through "mutually beneficial" outcomes on various pending issues, including tariffs, an investment agreement, and security cooperation. During the call, Cho highlighted the Seoul government's commitment to contributing to restoring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, acknowledging the active leadership of President Trump and the U.S. in addres sing the Middle East issue. Rubio detailed U.S. efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. Cho and Rubio concurred on meeting soon for in-depth discussions on key pending issues.