Overview

• South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul urged the U.S. to conclude tariff negotiations before South Korea's June 3 presidential election to ensure a smooth political transition.
• Both nations aim to finalize a 'July package' agreement addressing reciprocal tariffs, economic cooperation, and industrial policy before the July 8 deadline.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed U.S. commitments to extended deterrence and defense cooperation under the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty.
• Cho and Rubio agreed to modernize the alliance by integrating economic, technological, and security goals to address shared regional challenges.
• Efforts are underway to ensure a prompt call between the incoming South Korean president and President Trump post-election to solidify bilateral coordination.