'Proposal for Swift Progress on US-Korea Summit'

The 'US-Korea Summit' is expected to take place soon.

On the 9th, National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak proposed to the US side to hold the US-Korea Summit as soon as possible to facilitate mutual agreements on various issues, stating, "Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed agreement on this."

Visit to the US for Discussions on Tariffs and Security Issues

On the 9th, Director Wi visited Washington D.C. for a 4-day, 2-night schedule to discuss ongoing issues between the US and Korea, including tariff negotiations, before returning to Korea.

In a briefing after his return, he reported, "I had in-depth discussions with Secretary Rubio and the US-Korea Security Director."

"Negotiations Must Include Trump's Letter as a Comprehensive Package"

Director Wi explained that, "In just over a month since the new government's inauguration, our government has made great efforts in addressing ongoing issues," and emphasized, "Even if there are differences between the two sides, we must work together to reach a resolution within the larger framework of developing the alliance and strengthening trust."

He continued, stating, "President Donald Trump's letter indicating tariffs of 25% to be imposed mutually from August 1 appears to have been focused mainly on tariff and non-tariff barriers. However, the issues we have raised encompass commerce, investment, procurement, and security overall, so we should push to advance negotiations considering this comprehensive package."

Secretary Rubio is reported to have expressed agreement regarding this.

Secretary Rubio: "There is an Opportunity for Negotiation Before August 1"

Director Wi also relayed Secretary Rubio's remarks.

Secretary Rubio explained, "This letter was sent uniformly to all countries where no trade agreement has been reached ahead of the July 9 tariff negotiation deadline," adding that, "Since there is still time for agreement before August 1, we should maintain close communication and continue negotiations during that period."

Image source: Photo provided by the Presidential Office, National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak / News1