(2nd LD) (US election) FM Cho vows close communication with Trump's side for deeper ties with U.S.

▲ Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul speaks during an interagency meeting of foreign, industry and finance ministers at the central government complex in Seoul on Nov. 7, 2024. (Yonhap)

(2nd LD) (US election) FM-US election

(2nd LD) (US election) FM Cho vows close communication with Trump's side for deeper ties with U.S.

(ATTN: ADDS Cho's remarks on defense cost-sharing deal in paras 11-13)

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, Nov. 7 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said Thursday that the government will make efforts to closely communicate with people close to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to further deepen ties with Washington.

Cho made the remarks after the Republican candidate and former U.S. president won Tuesday's election, a victory that raises expectations in Seoul of major policy shifts from the Joe Biden administration in a way that could shake up the bilateral alliance with Washington.

"We plan to refine our messages about security and economic issues and deliver them (to Trump's side) through personal networks and other channels, until the launch of the new U.S. administration," Cho said at a parliamentary session.

The phone talks President Yoon Suk Yeol had with Trump earlier in the day represents the importance Trump attaches to the alliance with South Korea, Cho said.

"It's a symbolic example of how importantly the president-elect thinks of the South Korea-U.S. alliance," Cho said.

Yoon was one of the first world leaders Trump has talked to by phone since Trump won his reelection.

In response to lawmakers' questions about the uncertainties arising in key security and alliance issues with the incoming U.S. leadership, Cho expressed confidence that South Korea will further advance the relations with the U.S. based on the solid foundation of cooperation in all areas.

With his return to the Oval Office, Trump is widely expected to abandon many of the alliances-centered foreign policy approaches taken by his predecessor and reinforce his pursuit of reducing America's contributions to alliances.

"Many of the key figures and officials with the Trump camp that we've met have highlighted their unwavering and bipartisan support for our alliance with the U.S. and the trilateral cooperation with Japan," he said.

"As we have utilized all our diplomatic assets to establish a solid foundation for cooperation in all areas, including security, economy and industry, I am confident that we will be able to forge an even closer relationship with the new U.S. administration," Cho said.

Regarding the defense cost-sharing deal, Cho stressed that the government will consult with Washington based on the outcome of the new agreement reached last month.

"Even if the U.S. demands a renegotiation, I believe it's advantageous for us to discuss it based on the result of the agreement that was finalized," Cho said.

Since Trump emerged as a presidential candidate, it has been widely anticipated that he would attempt to renegotiate Seoul's financial contribution toward the costs of maintaining American troops in South Korea.

When asked about the sustainability of the U.S. "extended deterrence" against North Korean threats, Cho said that it is the "most suitable strategy for now."

Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to using all of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its ally.

Trump's win has spawned skepticism over the future of Washington's commitment to providing extended deterrence for South Korea, since Trump has insisted the U.S. should not have to bear huge expenses to protect other countries.

Cho said it is too early to comment on the prospect of Moscow's war in Ukraine and North Korea's troop deployment to Russia, as Trump has yet to give a clear outline on how he will address the war. During the campaign, Trump said, if elected, he will end the conflict "in one day."

The minister also noted the first Trump administration had highly spoken of South Korea's technological prowess and shown much interest in expanding economic cooperation with Seoul.

Coordination with key allies like South Korea would be essential for Washington as well, as North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats and its expanding ties with Russia pose many security challenges to the world, Cho added.

"The government will make sure we closely communicate with the President-elect Trump's side to continue discussions on ways to weather these challenges based on our comprehensive strategic alliance," Cho said.

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