Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with Republic of Korea 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with Republic of Korea 1st Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Cho Hyundong.  Deputy Secretary Sherman expressed her appreciation for efforts by the governments of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan to improve bilateral relations and ensure security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific through the March 6 announcements on historical issues.  She reaffirmed the United States’ continued support for Japan and the ROK as they take steps to translate this new understanding into enduring progress.  The Deputy Secretary and Vice Minister reaffirmed their commitment to trilateral cooperation as a key means of addressing the most serious regional and global challenges.  They condemned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s provocative actions, including its March 15 ICBM launch, and the Deputy Secretary underscored the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of the ROK.  The Deputy Secretary welcomed ROK President Yoon’s upcoming State Visit to the United States, which will advance our expanding global partnership.  The Deputy Secretary thanked the ROK for its generous assistance to Ukraine, including a new $130 million pledge to address humanitarian and energy infrastructure needs, and expressed appreciation for the ROK co-hosting the Second Summit for Democracy.