South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on October 15 that the government aims to further develop the alliance with the United States across the economy, technology and security. He made the remarks in a keynote address at a lunch during the 36th Korea-U.S. Business Council plenary meeting.
This year’s meeting was held at the FKI Tower under the theme “New Korea-U.S. Cooperation Amid Global Policy Shifts.” Established in 1988 to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, the council is jointly run by the Federation of Korean Industries and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Cho said President Lee Jae Myung’s vision of an “irreplaceable Korea” reflects the strategic value of relations with the United States. South Korea’s capabilities in semiconductors, batteries, nuclear energy and shipbuilding make it an important partner in strengthening the U.S. manufacturing base and supply chains, he said.
The minister said sustained communication between the two countries’ leaders had helped shape a vision for a future-oriented, comprehensive strategic alliance. He described the recently announced Korea-U.S. strategic investment projects as an important historical milestone in putting that vision into practice.
Cho said Seoul and Washington would accelerate consultations to achieve tangible results in shipbuilding and nuclear energy, based on a joint fact sheet released in November last year. He also noted that the countries are expanding trade and investment and deepening cooperation to diversify supply chains and make them more resilient.
South Korea will continue close consultations with the United States to help companies from both countries operate smoothly in each other’s markets, Cho said. He added that Seoul would engage more actively with business communities, including through the Korea-U.S. Business Council.
