SEOUL, July 06 (AJP) - South Korea's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac departed for Washington, D.C., on Sunday for high-stakes talks with U.S. officials as the two allies navigate a tense moment in trade and defense negotiations — and explore the possibility of a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport ahead of his departure, Wi said his three-day trip is aimed at “deepening consultations” on a range of urgent bilateral issues, including Washington’s evolving tariff regime and South Korea’s defense cost-sharing contributions.
“Trade and security consultations between South Korea and the U.S. have entered a critical phase,” Wi said. “My visit reflects the importance of this moment.”
At the top of the agenda are U.S. tariffs and sector-specific measures targeting steel, autos, and other key industries. Wi’s visit comes just days before a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs is set to expire Tuesday.
Wi also confirmed that preparations for a potential Lee-Trump summit are “on the agenda,” signaling Seoul’s intent to reset high-level diplomacy after months of political uncertainty. He added that a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio — who also serves as National Security Advisor — is being pursued.
The visit follows Wi’s participation in informal discussions with U.S. officials during last month’s NATO Summit, where he represented President Lee. He declined to disclose the outcome of those earlier talks, saying only that this week’s meetings would build on prior efforts.
Wi’s trip marks his first to Washington since taking office last month and comes as South Korea mounts a coordinated diplomatic push in Washington. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo also arrived in Washington on Saturday to lead parallel negotiations on tariffs and trade.
“Minister Yeo’s visit is part of the government’s all-out efforts to respond to the current situation,” Wi said.
His trip also comes in the wake of a last-minute cancellation by Rubio of a planned visit to Seoul.
reporter
Candice Kim
candicekim1121@ajupress.com
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