U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken (left) on Jan. 6 shakes hands with Acting President Choi Sang Mok, who is deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance, at Government Complex-Seoul. (Ministry of Economy and Finance)

By Yoon Sojung

Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Jan. 6 reaffirmed his trust in the power of Korean democracy and the unchanged bilateral defense posture in talks with Acting President Choi Sang Mok, who is deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance, in Seoul.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance that day said both officials discussed the two issues in talks at Government Complex-Seoul in Seoul's Jongno-gu District.

"Korea will continue to uphold its steadfast diplomatic and security policies based on the strong ROK (Republic of Korea)-U.S. alliance and ROK-U.S.-Japan cooperation," Acting President Choi said.

"Both countries should continue to make every effort to ensure the implementation of major diplomatic achievements between the U.S. and Korea through the Joint Statement marking the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance, the Washington Declaration, and the principles and spirit of the Camp David pact among the U.S., Korea and Japan."

Based on close communication between diplomatic and security authorities of Seoul and Washington and a strong joint defensive posture, he pledged preparation for any potential provocations by North Korea.

Secretary Blinken extended his condolences and prayers on behalf of the American people for the Jeju Air plane crash last month, adding that the U.S. is ready to provide any necessary assistance.

He said the U.S., as (South) Korea's friend, fully trusts the leadership of Acting President Choi as well as the power of Korea's democracy, calling the U.S. defense commitment to Korea unwavering.

"He (Secretary Blinken) also highlighted that the over 70-year-long U.S.-ROK alliance is a cornerstone of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region, with its importance more vital than ever," the Ministry of Economy and Finance said in a news release.

"Moreover, he spoke highly of the trilateral cooperation, including the outcomes of the Camp David Trilateral Summit, expressing great expectations for these achievements to be continuously sustained and expanded going forward."

arete@korea.kr