South Korean and US Foreign Ministers Discuss Korean Peninsula and Bilateral Relations in Paris
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said on November 11 that the two countries’ foreign ministers met in Paris on November 10 to discuss bilateral relations, high-level exchanges and the Korean Peninsula. Neither side disclosed details of the talks. The meeting came as differences remain over implementing security commitments, including nuclear submarine cooperation, and South Korea advances a plan to expand the operating area of its anti-piracy unit.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on November 10 on the sidelines of a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris, France. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said on November 11 that they exchanged views on South Korea–US relations, high-level exchanges and issues concerning the Korean Peninsula. Seoul did not disclose details of the discussions or any follow-up measures. Rubio later confirmed the meeting on social media and described the exchange as productive.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (left) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet in Manila, the Philippines, on July 22, 2026.（VietVance）
It was their first face-to-face meeting since the results of the US midterm elections were announced on November 4. The Democratic Party gained control of both chambers of Congress in the elections, changing the political balance in the US legislature. At a Cabinet meeting on November 10, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for closer coordination with the US government to implement bilateral diplomatic and security agreements and for support from both parties in Congress.
South Korea and the US are still discussing how to implement important security commitments set out in a joint document issued after their leaders’ summit in October 2025, but have made no significant progress so far. Unresolved issues include cooperation on developing nuclear-powered attack submarines for South Korea and expanding South Korea’s authority to enrich uranium and reprocess spent nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes.
Attention has also turned to whether South Korea will participate in maritime security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz at the request of US President Donald Trump. On November 10, the South Korean government approved a bill seeking National Assembly approval for a plan to expand the operating area of its Cheonghae anti-piracy unit from waters off Somalia to areas near the Strait of Hormuz. The plan raises the question of how South Korea can balance its alliance responsibilities and national security interests against the risk of becoming more deeply involved in the Middle East conflict.
Source: VietVance
