Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is heading to the United States for discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as Seoul is under pressure to play a role in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
Cho arrived in the country on Thursday to start a three-day visit, where she will meet with Rubio on Friday. They are expected to discuss bilateral economic and security matters, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
One of the most sensitive issues anticipated to be the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has been urging South Korea to join in efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
Seoul has been contemplating the deployment of military forces in the area but Cho emphasized that a decision has not been made. The government is considering options as it prioritises international cooperation, safety of South Korean citizens and freedom of navigation, he said.
Iran has threatened against foreign military intervention in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz areas. The issue has put South Korea in a tough diplomatic situation in balancing between its ties with Washington and the safety of its people and regional security.
Cho and Rubio also are likely to discuss another economic matter — South Korea’s investment pledge of $350 billion in the U.S. Under terms of the deal, which was part of a trade pact inked last year by US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, the amount would be $150 billion for shipbuilding cooperation and was tied to Washington’s decision to place a 15% cap on tariffs imposed on Korean imports.
The investment package has yet to be finalised. South Korea recently delayed a parliamentary hearing on the plans, while authorities stated it was necessary to do more work on domestic procedures.
Projects being considered range from a massive gas-fired power plant in Texas to nuclear investments. Cho said he will detail Seoul’s stance in Washington while safeguarding issues “important to the national interest.”
Also on the invite list are North Korea, which is expected to be involved in the talks, especially as Washington mulls fresh contact with Pyongyang.
