Secretary Blinken’s Call with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Chung

Office of the Spokesperson

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke yesterday with Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong.  Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the alliance as the linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation on regional and global issues.  The Secretary condemned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) recent ballistic missile launches, which were in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, and reaffirmed openness to diplomacy and dialogue with the DPRK.  The Secretary also emphasized trilateral cooperation with Japan towards the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.  The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for the ROK’s commitment to working with the United States on ending the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Secretary reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and discussed efforts to deter Russia from further military action or other aggressive acts.