U.S. Ambassador Steel Meets North Korea Nuclear Envoy for the First Time to Coordinate Views Ahead of U.S.-North Korea Summit
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- 2026-09-02 18:04:06
- Updated
- 2026-09-02 18:04:06
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ambassador Steel visited the ministry’s headquarters in Sejongno, Seoul, that day and met with Jung to discuss issues concerning the Korean Peninsula.
MOFA did not disclose the details of the main discussions between Ambassador Steel and Jung. MOFA only said, "The two sides reaffirmed the need for close communication and coordination between South Korea and the United States on all pending issues, including matters concerning the Korean Peninsula, and agreed to continue strengthening communication going forward."
Given that Jung is South Korea’s chief nuclear envoy to North Korea, the meeting appears to have provided an opportunity for Seoul and Washington to confirm their positions on the "complete denuclearization" of North Korea. As preparations move forward for a U.S.-North Korea summit in November, U.S. President Donald Trump has recently avoided answering questions about North Korea’s denuclearization.
In contrast to President Trump, the U.S. Department of State (State Department) reaffirmed its existing principle, stating, "The United States remains committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea." South Korea’s MOFA is also maintaining its position on the "denuclearization of North Korea" based on firm coordination within the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
However, North Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pushed back in a statement, saying, "Possessing nuclear weapons is a legitimate choice, and there will be not the slightest change in our policy toward the United States." Ambassador Steel previously paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on the 4th of last month, and on the 12th, she presented her credentials and met President Lee Jae Myung for the first time.
[email protected] Kim Kyung-soo Reporter