Top US, South Korean diplomats speak amid strained bilateral relations

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call on Monday, agreeing to maintain close communication and cooperation to address the North Korean nuclear issue, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.

The exchange comes during a period of heightened friction within the alliance. President Donald Trump recently announced a reduction in joint military exercises and praised nuclear-armed North Korea, while accusing Seoul of failing to support U.S. efforts to denuclearise Iran.

In a brief readout, the U.S. State Department noted that Rubio and Cho discussed "a range of issues in the U.S.-ROK Alliance," using the acronym for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. "The Secretary noted the need for the two countries to remain in close coordination on matters that are integral to the Alliance," the State Department added.

According to Yonhap, South Korea's Foreign Ministry statement omitted any explicit reaffirmation of the usual commitment to North Korea's denuclearisation, despite emphasising the priority of cooperation on the issue.

"The minister and secretary agreed to continue close communication and cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. for peace on the Korean Peninsula and the resolution of North Korea's nuclear issue while maintaining a solid combined defence posture," Yonhap quoted the ministry release as saying.

The release cited Cho as stating that Seoul would make every effort to ensure Trump's recent diplomatic overtures toward Pyongyang lead to a resumption of Washington-Pyongyang dialogue and peninsula peace.

Trump’s olive branch to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last week, alongside his public criticism of Seoul, has raised concerns among analysts that his unpredictability could strain long-standing Asian security alliances. Cho noted last week that Trump's order to curb joint military drills appeared intended, in part, to pressure Seoul into supporting U.S. initiatives regarding Iran, as well as resolving lingering bilateral economic issues.

Among those friction points is South Korea's pledge to invest $350 billion in the United States under a trade deal signed last year. While Seoul has not yet released details of the investment plan, Cho stated that Washington has submitted a proposal outlining potential projects for consideration.

Yonhap reported that the foreign ministry statement highlighted an agreement between both diplomats to pursue "mutually beneficial" outcomes across key issues, including tariffs, investment, and security cooperation.

Furthermore, Cho underscored Seoul's commitment to making substantive contributions toward restoring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while acknowledging the active leadership of Trump and the U.S. in addressing Middle East crises.

Cho and Rubio agreed to meet in person in the near future to hold in-depth discussions on key pending matters.

By Tamilla Hasanova