1. As Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has agreed with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in their phone conversation on June 22, Minister Kang had the first ROK-US Foreign Ministers’ meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Washington D.C. on June 28, and comprehensively reviewed preparations for the upcoming ROK-US summit.

2. Minister Kang and Secretary Tillerson shared the view that the ROK-US summit, which will mark the first since the inauguration of the new governments in both countries, has symbolic significance in its own right, will serve as an opportunity to deepen friendship and trust between the leaders of the two countries, and holds great importance in that the two sides will discuss substantive issues, including North Korea and its nuclear issue, as well as concrete ways to advance the ROK-US alliance. Minister Kang and Secretary Tillerson agreed to continue to put all diplomatic efforts into ensuring a successful ROK-US summit until the end.

3. On North Korea and its nuclear issue, Minister Kang and her US counterpart agreed to closely work together to concretize their joint strategy for solving the North Korean nuclear problem, while sticking firmly to their common goal of the denuclearization of North Korea. Secretary Tillerson expected that the ROK-US alliance will play a key role in resolving regional issues, including the North Korean nuclear issue.

o Minister Kang extended once again deep condolences and sympathies from the government and people of the ROK on the death of Otto Warmbier, and said that in the wake of the tragic event, the ROK and the US should continue to closely work together to improve the human rights situation in North Korea. In response, Secretary Tillerson expressed appreciation and agreed with her view.

4. The two sides also shared their major diplomatic schedules, and agreed to continue to further increase consultations and communications between the foreign ministers of the two countries, drawing upon the outcome of the forthcoming ROK-US summit.


* unofficial translation