Vice Foreign Minister Requests Prompt Initiation of Enrichment and Reprocessing Negotiations with the US

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and ‘Fact Sheet’ Follow-up Talks
Agreement on the Prompt Launch of Working-Level Consultative Bodies in Different Areas
U.S. Highlights Alliance Modernization and Investment in the U.S., First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoon-joo, attending the trilateral discussions between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, meets with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Tokyo on July 18 for the first time since taking office. Provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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, ‘On December 1st (local time), First Vice Minister Park Yoon-joo urged the U.S. side to swiftly commence discussions on expanding South Korea’s rights to enrich and reprocess nuclear materials as agreed upon by the South Korean and U.S. leaders.’,
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, ‘According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice Minister Park met with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at the U.S. Department of State in Washington to exchange views on follow-up measures after the South Korea-U.S. summit. The two ministers assessed the adoption of the ‘Joint Fact Sheet’ (November 14), which encompasses the agreements made by the two countries’ leaders. They agreed to swiftly and faithfully implement follow-up actions in key areas such as nuclear energy, shipbuilding, and nuclear-powered submarines by promptly establishing working-level consultative bodies for each sector.’,
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, ‘The subject emphasized by South Korea was the expansion of its rights to enrich and reprocess nuclear materials. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Vice Minister Park specifically requested the swift initiation of consultations between the two countries regarding South Korea’s civilian uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, and Deputy Secretary Landau agreed to communicate closely on this matter.” The two ministers also concurred on efforts to initiate discussions on cooperation concerning nuclear-powered submarines and shipbuilding.’,
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, ‘During the talks, issues regarding the improvement of the U.S. visa system related to the detention of South Korean workers in Georgia were also discussed. The two ministers noted progress, such as the establishment of a dedicated visa consultation channel for South Korean companies, as discussed during Deputy Secretary Landau’s visit to South Korea in September. Vice Minister Park requested continued attention from Deputy Secretary Landau to ensure smooth and stable visits by South Korean businesspeople and technical personnel to the U.S.’,
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, ‘Additionally, Vice Minister Park explained South Korea’s efforts to implement the Fact Sheet and requested the U.S. to take corresponding actions, such as promptly reducing tariffs.’,
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, ‘Following the talks, Vice Minister Park told reporters, “We have reached a consensus with the U.S. side to quickly and actively implement the agreements.” Regarding the consultation channel between South Korea and the U.S., he explained that it would involve connecting the relevant authorities, including the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State. He added, “We decided to discuss various issues concurrently for swift advancement.”‘,
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, ‘This vice-ministerial meeting was the first high-level meeting realized after the reciprocal visits by the two countries’ leaders in August and October.’,
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, ‘In a separate statement released after the talks, Deputy Secretary of State Tommy Vietor emphasized discussions on the implementation of the Fact Sheet, highlighting the modernization of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. He noted Deputy Secretary Landau’s welcome of South Korea’s unprecedented investment commitments in U.S. manufacturing across key strategic sectors such as shipbuilding. Additionally, they mentioned the recent achievements of the practical group on business travel and visas between the two countries.’,