South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker to discuss the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle Eastern issues.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, Minister Cho met with Under Secretary Hooker during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in France on Thursday to discuss recent developments in the Middle East and the region.
Minister Cho expressed concerns about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized the urgent need for measures to ensure safe navigation for all vessels, including South Korean ships, and to de-escalate tensions to normalize global energy and logistics supply chains. The minister called for close communication on these issues.
In response, Under Secretary Hooker agreed with these sentiments. She commended the South Korean government’s contribution to international efforts to secure safe and free passage through its participation in the Joint Statement on the Strait of Hormuz.
Additionally, Minister Cho and Under Secretary Hooker evaluated the progress of investment agreements, including the recent passage of the Special Act on U.S. Investment in South Korea. They agreed to promptly initiate follow-up discussions on implementing security-related measures outlined in the fact sheet.
Both officials concurred on the importance of maintaining a strong South Korea-U.S. alliance and joint defense posture amid various uncertainties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that they decided to maintain close communication regarding regional issues, including the situation on the Korean Peninsula, ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to China in May.
According to the Ministry, Minister Cho is also working on arranging a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio who will be in Paris on Friday. However, the schedule is not yet confirmed, and analysts suggest that a pull-aside informal meeting may occur during or after the G7 meeting.