Cho Hyun Holds Back-to-Back Meetings at G7, Discusses Strait of Hormuz and Regional Affairs with Foreign Ministers

[Financial News] Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, met with representatives from countries attending the Group of Seven (G7) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in France. He held discussions on a wide range of regional issues, including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
On the 26th (local time), Minister Cho met with Allison Hooker, who was attending as the chief representative of the United States, and expressed concern over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. He also conveyed the view that urgent de-escalation measures are needed.
Hooker agreed with this assessment and noted that the Korean government is contributing to international efforts to ensure safe and free navigation through its participation in the "Joint Statement on the Strait of Hormuz."
They also agreed to maintain close communication on regional affairs, including issues on the Korean Peninsula, ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China in May. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit France on the 27th, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea is coordinating schedules for bilateral and trilateral foreign ministers' meetings between South Korea and the United States, and among South Korea, the United States, and Japan.
Minister Cho also held successive foreign ministers' talks with Canada, India, France, the European Union (EU), and Germany. In these meetings, the ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional developments, including in the Middle East.
In particular, Minister Cho told Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand that the ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho has set sail for Canada. He used this to underscore South Korea’s strong interest in and commitment to winning the submarine contract.
Minister Cho also met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and regional affairs. The two ministers reaffirmed that South Korea and Germany are important partners that share common values. Minister Cho explained that Seoul is pursuing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and diplomacy while maintaining the goal of the complete denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and he asked for Germany’s support. Wadephul praised the Korean government’s efforts and stated that Germany would contribute to building peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Minister Cho also held talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, during which they exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as key regional and global issues. They agreed to work closely together to ensure that French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to South Korea, scheduled for April, is a success.


rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Reporter