Wi Sung-rak: "Proposed Early Summit to U.S. Side... Rubio Agreed"

National Security Advisor Wi Sung-rak announced on the 9th that he had proposed to the United States an early Korea-U.S. summit, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also agreed.

To discuss current issues between Korea and the U.S., such as tariff negotiations, Wi visited Washington, D.C. for a four-day, two-night schedule, and returned on the day.

He directly briefed that, "I had an in-depth conversation with Secretary Rubio through a Korea-U.S. National Security Advisors’ meeting."

He said, “We suggested facilitating the process of making mutually beneficial agreements on key issues through the summit, and Secretary Marco Rubio expressed his agreement.”

Wi also explained, “I described how the new government has made considerable efforts in the short month since its launch to discuss current issues,” adding, “While there are disagreements between both sides on some matters, I emphasized that it is best to work together for resolution within the broader framework of developing alliance relations and strengthening trust, even if adjustments are needed.”

He further stated, “President Donald Trump's letter (notifying the imposition of a 25% reciprocal tariff from August 1) appears to focus on tariff and non-tariff barriers. However, as the matters we have raised include trade, investment, purchases, and security, I suggested that we proceed with comprehensive consultations considering the overall package, to which Secretary Rubio agreed.”

According to Wi, Secretary Rubio said, “This letter was sent uniformly to all countries that have not yet reached a trade agreement ahead of the July 9 (tariff negotiation) deadline,” and added, “There is still an opportunity for agreement before August 1, so let’s continue close communication between the two countries during this period toward an agreement.”

Lee Bo-bae, guest reporter at Hankyung.com newsinfo@hankyung.com