South Korea’s foreign minister, Cho Hyun, held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday in Washington, during which he restated Seoul’s willingness to play a substantive role in re‑establishing free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by Yonhap news agency released on Saturday.
Cho’s visit to the U.S. capital this week included a series of discussions not only with Secretary Rubio but also with members of the United States Congress. The itinerary, as outlined by the South Korean official’s office, was aimed at deepening bilateral dialogue on a range of diplomatic and security topics.
During the bilateral encounter, Cho emphasized that South Korea is prepared to contribute concretely to efforts aimed at ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open for navigation. The minister’s statement underscored a willingness to engage in actions that would support the restoration of unhindered maritime traffic through the narrow passage.
Yonhap news agency, the official news service of South Korea, conveyed the details of the meeting and the reaffirmed position of the Seoul government. The agency’s coverage highlighted the diplomatic significance of the minister’s remarks, noting that they align with broader international concerns over the security of key shipping lanes.
The encounter between Cho Hyun and Marco Rubio reflects continued diplomatic interaction between the two governments on matters of regional stability and global trade routes. By publicly restating its intent to assist in maintaining open navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, South Korea signals its ongoing engagement in discussions that affect maritime security and the flow of commerce through one of the world’s most vital chokepoints.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/seoul-reaffirms-us-its-intent-contribute-restoring-strait-hormuz-free.