South Korea, US to Hold Foreign Ministerial Talks This Month, Says FM Cho

South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Thursday that Seoul and Washington plan to hold foreign ministerial talks later this month, underscoring what he described as a fundamentally robust bilateral alliance.

Speaking during a parliamentary interpellation session at the National Assembly, Cho responded to a question from Rep. Kim Byung-joo of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea by noting that even the closest allies can face disagreements on certain issues. He said such differences have been managed through what he called "close consultations" between the two governments.

Officials at Seoul's foreign ministry had earlier indicated that the two sides were coordinating a possible trip by Cho to Washington, where he would meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks are expected to focus on North Korea policy along with other pressing bilateral matters.

Cho also pushed back against speculation about strain in the alliance, calling such concerns unfounded and reiterating that any friction could be resolved through ongoing dialogue between the two capitals.

The planned meeting comes at a sensitive moment, as uncertainty swirls around the direction of Washington's North Korea policy. U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled interest in reengaging directly with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, prompting questions in Seoul and beyond about whether the administration remains committed to the goal of North Korea's denuclearization.

A date and venue for the ministerial talks have not yet been finalized, but the discussions are expected to serve as a key checkpoint for aligning the allies' approach to Pyongyang and broader regional security issues in the months ahead.