The United States and South Korea are working to resolve differences over Middle East security, investment commitments and broader strategic cooperation.
Washington has raised concerns over South Korea’s level of support for efforts to pressure Iran. The two countries have also yet to finalise arrangements for $350 billion in South Korean investments pledged under a trade agreement reached last year.
South Korea has indicated that it is willing to make a substantive contribution to efforts aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States has called for the swift implementation of South Korea’s investment commitments, while both sides agreed to maintain consultations to ensure progress on the planned arrangements.
The two countries also agreed to continue cooperation in key strategic sectors, including semiconductors. The United States stressed the importance of maintaining a fair and transparent business environment for its companies operating in South Korea.
South Korea has said it will not deploy military assets to the Middle East in a manner that could draw the country directly into the conflict. However, Seoul is reviewing whether it could play a greater role in protecting maritime navigation in the region.
Implementation of the investment package has been delayed as the two sides work through procedural issues and concerns over its commercial viability.
South Korea committed to invest in US manufacturing as part of a trade agreement under which tariffs on South Korean imports were reduced to 15 per cent.
Seoul has pushed for language ensuring that its investments remain commercially reasonable. Officials said negotiations were continuing to protect South Korea’s interests while maintaining benefits for both countries and their broader economic relationship.
The talks also covered North Korea and the possibility of renewed engagement between Washington and Pyongyang.
Both sides reaffirmed support for the complete denuclearisation of North Korea. South Korea also expressed readiness to support efforts to resume dialogue between the United States and North Korea.
A possible future summit between the US and North Korean leadership has been discussed, although the timing and prospects for such a meeting remain uncertain.
