Amid political unrest and security concerns, South Korea and the US pledge deeper cooperation on defense and diplomatic fronts…reports Asian Lite News
South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday to discuss ways to strengthen the US-South Korea alliance, officials reported. The meeting at the National Assembly marked a significant diplomatic engagement amid efforts to reinforce ties despite recent political uncertainties stemming from last month’s failed martial law imposition.
During the discussions, Speaker Woo sought continued US support and announced plans for a special parliamentary delegation to visit the US to explain South Korea’s current situation and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
“Despite the national crisis over the martial law attempt and the recent passenger aircraft tragedy, the Republic of Korea has overcome many historical challenges such as colonial rule, division, and dictatorship. We are confident in our ability to navigate through this crisis as well,” Woo stated.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Blinken’s meeting with Woo marks the first time a US Secretary of State has visited the South Korean National Assembly for such talks. Earlier in the day, Blinken met with acting President Choi Sang-mok and Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul to address North Korea’s nuclear development and its military ties with Russia.
Blinken expressed concerns over Russia’s plans to share advanced space and satellite technology with North Korea in exchange for weapons and equipment to support Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. He emphasized the issue as a significant concern for the US and its allies, including South Korea and Japan.
“We have reasons to believe that Moscow intends to share advanced space and satellite technology with Pyongyang,” Blinken stated during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul.
Blinken’s visit to Seoul is part of a three-nation tour, which includes stops in Japan and France. The trip is expected to be his final overseas visit as US Secretary of State under the Biden administration.
