South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed their “resolute” commitment to the complete denuclearisation of North Korea and strict enforcement of international sanctions during their first meeting in Washington since the launch of the Lee Jae Myung administration.

The high-level talks also addressed rising military ties between North Korea and Russia and preparations for an upcoming summit between South Korean President Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled to take place at the White House in two weeks.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a readout that both leaders “expressed serious concerns about North Korea’s increasing military cooperation with Russia” and emphasized the importance of joint defense and extended deterrence.

Their meeting followed recent comments by Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who dismissed prospects for denuclearisation talks, despite acknowledging a “not bad” personal rapport between Trump and Kim.

Cho and Rubio reiterated the “unwavering” strength of the U.S.–South Korea alliance, calling it a linchpin for peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific for over 70 years.

They also welcomed a new trade agreement reached Thursday, which includes South Korea’s commitment to invest $350 billion in the U.S. in exchange for a reduced tariff rate of 15% from the earlier 25%.

Both sides agreed to boost cooperation in shipbuilding, advanced technologies such as AI, nuclear energy, and quantum research, and modernize the alliance to enhance its strategic value. This aligns with Washington’s broader push for allies to share more of the defense burden while countering China’s regional influence.

Minister Cho also requested U.S. support for South Korea’s upcoming hosting of the 2025 APEC summit.