By UN Journal Kayla Lee

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) and Richard McCormick (R-Ga.), who were visiting South Korea, on August 12. They exchanged views on topics including Korea-Texas and Georgia cooperation, the ROK-US alliance, the North Korean nuclear and North Korea issues, and regional and global affairs.

Minister Cho noted that Texas and Georgia serve as hubs for Korean investment in the US and play a key role in economic cooperation between the two countries.

He emphasized the significant potential of both regions in developing the ROK-US alliance into a future-oriented, comprehensive strategic alliance based on security, economic, and scientific cooperation in areas such as AI, batteries, and nuclear energy.

He also called for the attention and efforts of the US Congress to foster a favorable investment environment in the US, including expanding visas for Korean professionals, to expand Korean companies' investment in the US and foster technological cooperation between the two countries.

Congressman Van Duyne noted that South Korea and the US have long maintained close cooperation, not only in security but also in the economy. She added that Texas, one of the fastest-growing states in the US, welcomed the expansion of additional Korean companies, building on the existing presence of companies like Samsung Electronics.

Congressman McCormick noted that South Korea and the US have maintained a close alliance since the Korean War, rooted in military and security cooperation. He particularly praised South Korea's extensive contributions as a strategic ally, including in the relocation of USFK bases.

Furthermore, as a member of the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, he pledged to spare no effort in supporting the robust ROK-US alliance so that it can play a significant role in ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.

This meeting between Minister Cho and the House of Representatives, following the Minister's previous visit to the United States and his meeting with the Senators, is seen as an opportunity to widely publicize the new administration's foreign policy direction, its commitment to developing the ROK-US alliance, and its policy toward North Korea to the US Congress, while also continuing to expand the bipartisan support base within the US Congress for the development of a strong ROK-US alliance.