South Korea, U.S. Agree to Accelerate Investment and Defense Cooperation
South Korea’s Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the White House in Washington, D.C., on the 12th, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. The two leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral issues facing the two allies.
Kim cited Korea’s recently passed Special Act on Investment in the United States, saying the legislation demonstrates the Korean government’s firm commitment to honoring investment promises with the United States. The move, he said, is intended to deepen economic ties between the two countries.
The prime minister said Korea’s investment is expected to boost U.S. manufacturing and create jobs, and could elevate the Korea-U.S. alliance to a higher level. He urged swift execution of the post-summit joint briefing document (a fact sheet) and called for rapid implementation of agreements in defense and security areas, including nuclear power, shipbuilding, and nuclear-powered submarines.
Vice President Vance welcomed the establishment of a solid legal basis and urged both governments to maintain a close cooperation framework to ensure investments proceed smoothly.
The meeting followed their last encounter on January 23, with about 45 days elapsed between talks, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
On economic cooperation, Kim highlighted progress on critical mineral supply-chain cooperation and said Seoul had made a proactive stance on a data-transfer request from U.S. companies. Vance welcomed Korea’s decision and expressed hope for ongoing discussions to reduce non-tariff barriers.
Kim also briefed Vance that issues previously raised by the U.S. side around Coupang and related religious matters are now stabilizing. Vance thanked Korea for respecting its judicial system and for listening to American concerns. The two also discussed North Korea, reaffirming an openness to dialogue with Pyongyang and agreeing to maintain close cooperation to manage the peninsula’s security situation.
A Prime Minister’s Office official said the meeting strengthened personal ties and trust between the two leaders, and that communications channels between Seoul and Washington are likely to become more active as both sides tackle outstanding tasks.