Seoul: The foreign policy focus of the incoming U.S. administration of President-elect Donald Trump "aligns closely" with South Korea's vision of taking responsibilities as a leading country, Seoul's top diplomat said Tuesday. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made the remark as Seoul is preparing to face the second Trump term following his election win last week, amid a slew of security and economic challenges lying ahead, including North Korea's troop deployment to Russia in support of the war against Ukraine. According to Yonhap News Agency, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul emphasized that President-elect Trump's policy direction underscores the importance of allies contributing to security. This approach aligns with South Korea's aspiration to position itself as a global pivotal state, fulfilling responsibilities that correspond with its national power and status. Cho highlighted that South Korea and the United States have institutionalized minilateral cooperation with nations such as Japan, which he regards as f avorable external conditions that have been established to bolster alliances. Cho expressed confidence that the South Korea-U.S. alliance will remain robust and continue to strengthen under a second Trump administration. He also pointed out that the first Trump administration was instrumental in advancing the Indo-Pacific strategy, a vision resonating with the diplomatic stance of the Yoon Suk Yeol government. The strategy's emphasis on a free and open Indo-Pacific order and strong alliances is considerably aligned with the Yoon government's diplomatic posture. Cho further mentioned that the ministry plans to build on these shared policies to enhance cooperation through close policy coordination with a second Trump administration.