Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to reaffirm the deep ties between the U.S. and South Korea, particularly in the aftermath of the recent Jeju Airlines incident. The two leaders expressed mutual condolences for the tragic loss of life and discussed the ongoing commitment to regional stability, economic cooperation, and trilateral engagement with Japan.
Condolences and Support Following Tragedy
Secretary Blinken began the meeting by expressing his heartfelt sadness over the Jeju Airlines tragedy, offering condolences on behalf of the United States. He conveyed that the U.S. government is ready to offer any necessary support to South Korea during this challenging time. The two leaders agreed to stay in close communication to ensure that assistance is provided in the wake of the devastating incident.
Reaffirming the U.S.-ROK Alliance
The conversation quickly shifted to broader strategic matters, with Secretary Blinken reaffirming the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of South Korea. Both leaders highlighted the enduring strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance, which continues to serve as a linchpin for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Blinken emphasized that the alliance remains vital in addressing both traditional security threats and emerging challenges in the region.
“The U.S.-ROK alliance is one of the most critical relationships for ensuring regional peace and prosperity, and our commitment to South Korea’s defense is unwavering,” Blinken stated.
Deepening Bilateral Cooperation
Secretary Blinken and Speaker Woo discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues, including security, trade, climate change, and technology. Both sides agreed on the importance of sustained collaboration to tackle regional security concerns, particularly in relation to North Korea’s provocations, while also focusing on strengthening the global economic partnership between the U.S. and South Korea.
Trilateral Cooperation with Japan
The meeting also underscored the trilateral cooperation between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, with both sides stressing the importance of working together to address global and regional challenges. Secretary Blinken and Speaker Woo agreed that enhancing coordination among the three countries is essential in promoting stability, particularly in addressing issues like nuclear non-proliferation, maritime security, and regional economic integration.
A Shared Vision for Regional Peace and Prosperity
As the two leaders concluded their discussions, they reaffirmed their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The U.S. and South Korea committed to continuing their close cooperation to ensure that the region remains secure, prosperous, and stable.
The meeting highlighted the strength of the U.S.-ROK relationship, with both sides emphasizing their commitment to working together to address current and future challenges while further strengthening their longstanding partnership.