U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Republic of Korea First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo met in Seoul for the U.S.-Republic of Korea Strategic Dialogue. The meeting focused on reaffirming and strengthening the alliance between the two countries, which has been central to peace and security in the region for over seventy years.
According to Under Secretary Hooker, "the unwavering strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance...has served as the linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific." She emphasized that the United States remains committed to supporting this alliance through a robust defense posture and continued assurances regarding extended deterrence.
Both officials discussed updating their alliance to address current challenges, including cooperation in shipbuilding, securing supply chains for critical minerals, energy collaboration, and advancing technologies. They also talked about expanding trilateral efforts with Japan.
They pledged ongoing unity regarding North Korea’s destabilizing activities. "They pledged to maintain a unified approach toward the DPRK’s destabilizing actions, including through the shared commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK," according to a joint statement.