By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, currently visiting the United States, met with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on September 10 (local time).

They exchanged views on the swift resolution of the situation involving Korean nationals detained in Georgia by U.S. authorities, follow-up measures to the Korea-U.S. summit (August 25), high-level Korea-U.S. diplomatic schedules, and North Korea issues.

Minister Cho conveyed President Lee Jae-myung's special regards to President Donald Trump and expressed the expectation that the strong ROK-U.S. alliance would be further developed based on the deep bonds formed during the successful summit.

Secretary Rubio expressed his appreciation and stated he would convey President Lee's regards to President Trump.

Minister Cho conveyed deep concern that the process of detaining Korean workers, who came to the U.S. to share technology and know-how to contribute to the Trump administration's efforts to revive American manufacturing, was made public, causing profound hurt and shock to all Korean citizens.

He particularly urged the U.S. administration to ensure these individuals, who are not criminals, can depart the U.S. swiftly without physical restraints like handcuffs and to guarantee they face no disadvantages for future visits to the U.S., requesting special attention and support.

He also proposed establishing a new ROK-U.S. Foreign Ministry-State Department working group to discuss various measures, including creating a new visa category, to prevent recurrence of similar incidents.

In response, Secretary Rubio stated that President Trump also highly values the outcomes of the Korea-U.S. summit achieved with President Lee, understands the sensitivity of the Korean public regarding this matter, and views Korea's investment and role in revitalizing the U.S. economy and manufacturing sector positively.

Accordingly, he responded that President Trump has instructed that consultations and measures be taken swiftly to achieve the outcome desired by the Korean side to the extent possible. He also expressed willingness to cooperate for swift follow-up actions.

Meanwhile, the two ministers discussed high-level diplomatic schedules, including the Korea-U.S. summit. Minister Cho urged the prompt release of the summit outcome document from last August and efforts to ensure active implementation of related follow-up measures. Secretary Rubio responded that he would review the matter internally and explore feasible options.

The two ministers exchanged views on the results and implications of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's recent visit to China for the Chinese Victory Day celebrations. Minister Cho stated that he would actively pursue the role of a “pacemaker” mentioned by our President and seek cooperation to achieve this. In response, Secretary Rubio stated that he is open to dialogue with North Korea and will maintain close coordination between South Korea and the U.S. for this purpose.

Following today's meeting, the Korean government is actively conducting administrative working-level consultations with the U.S. side on the ground and is making every effort to complete all necessary procedures so that the citizens can be released from detention and return home as soon as possible.