1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul met with Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Korea, Philip S. Goldberg, on January 30 to exchange views on the ROK-U.S. alliance, the ROK-U.S.-Japan trilateral cooperation, and issues related to North Korea, as well as coordination efforts at regional and global levels.

2. Foreign Minister Cho appreciated that the Global Comprehensive Strategic Alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States was strengthened to an unprecedented level last year, the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance, and expressed his desire to continue advancing the momentum this year. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Cho noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the first ROK-U.S.-Japan trilateral summit, and expressed hope for further strengthened trilateral cooperation based on the agreements reached at last year's Camp David Summit.

3. Ambassador Goldberg congratulated Foreign Minister Cho on his assumption of office and expressed deep appreciation for the historic achievements made last year, including President Yoon’s state visit to the United States and the Camp David Summit. He also praised the strengthening of trilateral cooperation based on improvements in ROK-Japan relations, attributing it to the political leadership of President Yoon, and expressed his expectation for a continued enhancement of trilateral cooperation.

4. Foreign Minister Cho and Ambassador Goldberg expressed deep concerns over North Korea escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the region through its repeated provocations and hostile rhetoric while refusing to engage in dialogue. They reaffirmed their commitment to making concerted efforts to deter North Korean threats based on the close coordination and combined defense posture between the ROK and the U.S., and to inducing China to play a constructive role. They agreed to coordinate with the international community to maintain a resolute response against military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which constitutes a serious violation of international norms and poses a grave threat to global peace and stability.

5. Foreign Minister Cho expressed his intention to actively pursue "diplomacy  strengthening the interlinkage between economy and security” and "diplomacy fit for the G7 plus era," hoping for closer cooperation between the ROK and the U.S. in these areas.

6. Ambassador Goldberg appreciated the increasing importance of the ROK's role in the international community amid various global challenges and expressed the U.S.’ full support for the ROK's active efforts to contribute to the international community as a “Global Pivotal State.”

7. Foreign Minister Cho highlighted that Ambassador Goldberg is the first foreign ambassador he met after taking office, reflecting the importance of the ROK-U.S. alliance. He asked the Ambassador to continue his efforts to advance the alliance, as this year marks the beginning of a new 70 years of the alliance.