Foreign Minister Cho: "We explained our efforts to fulfill US investment pledges"...No deal on tariff cuts

[Financial News] The South Korea–US foreign ministers’ meeting was held in Washington, D.C., on the 3rd (local time), but it failed to secure a withdrawal of the proposed 25% US tariff hike.
On that day, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and exchanged views on implementation of the Joint Fact Sheet (JFS) on the South Korea–United States summit, the North Korea issue, and regional and global developments.
Cho recalled Rubio’s contribution during the negotiations on the summit agreement text between the two presidents and urged that the agreement now be implemented swiftly and in a substantive manner.
In particular, Cho said, "Let us ensure that cooperation in key sectors such as nuclear power, nuclear-powered submarines, and shipbuilding bears fruit in line with concrete milestones within this year," asking Rubio to play a leading role. Rubio responded, "I will continue to do what is necessary," adding, "I will encourage the relevant departments so that substantive discussions can take place as soon as possible."
Cho also outlined South Korea’s domestic efforts to implement the bilateral tariff agreement and fulfill its investment commitments in the United States. He proposed that the two sides continue to cooperate at the diplomatic level so that trade authorities can maintain smooth communication and consultations. The two ministers agreed to work together to manage the situation in a stable manner and to spread positive momentum by faithfully implementing the security-related agreements.
They also agreed to maintain close communication and coordination on North Korea. Cho explained the South Korean government’s efforts to ease tensions and build trust between the two Koreas, and suggested that Seoul and Washington continue to send messages inviting dialogue with North Korea in order to draw Pyongyang back to the negotiating table.
In addition, Cho briefed Rubio on South Korea’s efforts to develop friendly and cooperative relations with neighboring countries, including the president’s visits to China and Japan earlier this year, on the solid foundation of the Republic of Korea–United States Alliance (ROK-US Alliance). Rubio, in turn, praised South Korea’s efforts to ease regional tensions and promote cooperation.
This South Korea–US foreign ministers’ meeting, held three months after the announcement of the Joint Fact Sheet last November, is seen as an opportunity to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges between the two countries—following last month’s official visit to the United States by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea—and to reaffirm their commitment to accelerating follow-up measures to the South Korea–United States summit.
However, because the meeting failed to produce an agreement on withdrawing the 25% US tariff increase, which had been the main focus of attention, the burden on Cho’s shoulders has grown heavier. After the talks, Cho plans to stay in the United States for the time being to meet with American political figures and continue additional discussions.
rainman@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Kyung-soo Reporter