WASHINGTON — Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with U.S. lawmakers during a visit to Washington and asked them to "actively support so that the Korea-U.S. joint fact sheet can be pursued with speed." Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who has criticized the South Korean government while defending Coupang's position, said pending issues between the two countries "need to be managed smoothly on the basis of mutual trust."
Cho made the remarks while meeting members of both chambers in Washington, D.C., on the 17th, saying that "under a rapidly changing international environment, the importance of cooperation between Korea and the United States is greater than ever," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Jordan agreed on the need for cooperation to advance the bilateral relationship, the ministry said. He added, "Let us continue to communicate so that Korea-U.S. relations can develop in a mutually beneficial way."
Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) said the South Korean government "is actively working to strengthen Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation on the basis of a solid Korea-U.S. alliance." He stressed, "As a firm supporter of the alliance, I will continue to play the role needed, including support for Korean companies that have moved into my home state of Tennessee."
Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) said it is important that "amid a rapidly changing international environment, Korea and the United States work closely together to build peace on the Korean Peninsula on the basis of firm trust, while also pooling wisdom on the various challenges facing the international community." He proposed, "Based on bipartisan support for the Korea-U.S. alliance within Congress, let us consult on ways for the U.S. Congress to provide support so that cooperation between the two countries can advance on many fronts."
Cho said, "Going forward, we will make the Korea-U.S. alliance even stronger through active communication not only with the U.S. administration but also with Congress," and asked lawmakers to "show unwavering support for the alliance even after the midterm elections in November." Cho is scheduled to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the 18th.
