US, South Korea discuss 'close cooperation' ahead of state visit

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The top national security officials from South Korea and the US discussed preparations Tuesday for President Yoon Suk Yeol's just-announced state visit to the White House.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Kim Sung-han "discussed preparations" for the April 26 visit, which is slated to mark the 70th anniversary of the relationship "and deepen U.S.-ROK political, economic, security, and people-to-people ties," the White House said in a statement.

"The two discussed how to maintain close cooperation to further enhance our security ties to respond to the changing threat environment in the Indo-Pacific region. Mr. Sullivan reiterated the United States’ ironclad commitment to the security of the ROK and the region and to providing extended deterrence through the full range of U.S. defense capabilities," it said.

Sullivan and Kim condemned North Korea's "continued destabilizing activity and highlighted the need for the international community, including our allies and partners at the United Nations, to limit the DPRK’s ability to advance its unlawful WMD program that threatens regional stability."

In a sign of the growing importance Washington is placing on the Asia Pacific region amid great power competition with China, the White House earlier Tuesday announced that Biden would host Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee at the White House for a full state visit, including a state dinner, next month.

The visit will be just the second in the more than two years since Biden assumed office. Only French President Emmanuel Macron has been given the honor during the Biden administration.

The visits are highly selective and are accompanied by no shortage of pomp and circumstance.

The White House billed the upcoming visit as an opportunity to "highlight the importance and enduring strength of the ironclad U.S.-ROK alliance as well as the United States’ unwavering commitment to the ROK."