The foreign ministry stated that Foreign Minister Cho Hyun engaged in discussions with a high-ranking US official regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as well as the implementation of agreements made during the allies' summit.
The Ministry stated that discussions were held with Allison Hooker, the U.S. under secretary of state for political affairs, during the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers' gathering in Paris.
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South Korea has received an invitation to participate as an honorary guest country in a prestigious forum comprising advanced nations such as Britain, Canada, the US, France, Italy, and Germany.
Cho voiced apprehension regarding the conditions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for worldwide energy resources.
He emphasized the necessity of endeavors to reduce tensions in the conflict, highlighting the significance of securing safe passage for all vessels, particularly those from Korea to maintain stability in the energy distribution networks.
Hooker acknowledged South Korea's role in global initiatives aimed at ensuring security in the region, specifically highlighting Seoul's participation in the collective statement condemning Iran's measures to block the shipping route.
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In their meeting, the two parties reviewed the advancements made in carrying out the trade and security agreements outlined in their collaborative document from the summit. They have mutually decided to commence further discussions at the operational level regarding security matters as soon as practicable.
As for the situation on the Korean Peninsula, they have concurred to maintain a strong collaborative effort, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to China in May.
During the G7 sessions, Cho engaged in a number of one-on-one discussions with fellow representatives from G7 nations and other participating countries such as Canada, India, France, the European Union, and Germany.
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According to the ministry, the current conflicts in the Middle East, Russia's aggression in Ukraine, and concerns surrounding North Korea were prominently discussed during the meeting. The agenda also focused on bilateral relations pertaining to security, economic cooperation, and various other sectors.
During discussions with Anita Anand, his Canadian counterpart, Cho conveyed optimism that the involvement of the ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho naval submarine in collaborative exercises with Canada would showcase the prowess of South Korea's submarine capabilities. This affirms Seoul's profound interest in and dedication to its pursuit of a Canadian submarine venture.