Outcome of ROK-US Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Conversation

Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, held a telephone conversation with Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America, on Thursday, June 20, in New York to discuss their response to the outcome of the Russia-North Korea Summit.

The two ministers strongly condemned the decision by Russia and North Korea to enhance mutual military and economic cooperation through the “Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” They stated that this agreement poses a grave threat to the security of both the ROK and the U.S., as well as to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader region.

Minister Cho emphasized that any cooperation directly or indirectly enhances North Korea's military capabilities clearly violates of UN Security Council resolutions. He called for close coordination between the ROK and the U.S. to lead a resolute international response, and outlined the measures announced by the ROK government, including the imposition of autonomous sanctions on North Korea and the designation of new export control items against Russia.

Secretary Blinken expressed his appreciation for Minister Cho’s explanation and affirmed that the U.S. strongly supports the ROK’s legitimate actions in response to security threats. He emphasized that the U.S. and the ROK should firmly respond to any threats based on the ironclad alliance. Secretary Blinken also mentioned that the U.S. would actively consider various options to counter the threats posed by Russia and North Korea to international peace and stability, including on the Korean Peninsula.

The two ministers agreed to continue closely monitoring the situation and maintain strong coordination based on the ROK-U.S. alliance in response to North Korea’s provocations and escalating tensions. They also committed to strengthening the extended deterrence of the ROK-U.S. alliance and the security cooperation between the ROK, U.S., and Japan to deter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.