By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee 

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jina held a meeting with Michael John Rigas, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul on July 25. During their meeting, the two sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues related to the ROK-U.S. relationship.

Vice Minister Kim expressed her hope to further advance the ROK-U.S. alliance not only in the area of security but also across various fields such as the economy and cutting-edge technologies, through active exchanges at all levels between the two countries.

Deputy Secretary Rigas reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to the ROK-U.S. alliance and emphasized the importance of continued close cooperation to further develop bilateral ties.

Both sides agreed to strengthen communication between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State to ensure the successful conclusion of the ongoing ROK-U.S. tariff consultations and further enhance bilateral economic partnership.

Vice Minister Kim also highlighted that President Trump has been invited to this year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju and requested the U.S. side’s cooperation to ensure its successful outcome.

Vice Minister Kim also requested the U.S. side’s attention and support to ensure that changes in the U.S. immigration policy do not inadvertently cause harm or unjust infringement of rights on Korean nationals.

During the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun made a brief appearance to exchange greetings with Deputy Secretary Rigas. Deputy Secretary Rigas congratulated Minister Cho on his recent appointment and conveyed warm regards on behalf of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.