US and South Korean Foreign Ministers Discuss the Importance of Freedom of Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Economic Issues

Washington, Sept 18 (KUNA) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks on Friday with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun, discussing prominent regional and international issues, foremost among them the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and shared economic concerns.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Biggott said that Rubio’s meeting with Hyun “discussed a range of fundamental issues in the alliance between the United States and South Korea.” Biggott added that both sides pledged to continue cooperation in key strategic sectors, including semiconductors. Rubio also reiterated the importance of cooperation to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

He noted that Rubio emphasized the “urgent need” to provide a fair, transparent, and level playing field for U.S. companies operating in South Korea, and underscored the importance of securing supply chains for vital industries.

Biggott pointed out that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the complete denuclearization of North Korea, and stressed the paramount importance of trilateral cooperation among the United States, Japan, and South Korea in maintaining regional security and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (End) A.M.M. / M.A.H.A.