Korea-U.S. Alliance

[Anchor Lead]

The senior national security chiefs of South Korea and the U.S. spoke in a telephone conversation for the first time since the inauguration of the Trump administration. They agreed to cooperate closely on national security issues.

[Pkg]

In a phone conversation between the top national security advisers of South Korea and the U.S., which was held at the request of U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, the two sides have reaffirmed the strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. Flynn said that the bilateral alliance between the two nations is strong and will develop further in a positive way. South Korean Presidential National Security Office Chief Kim Kwan-jin responded by saying that Seoul recognizes the seriousness of the North Korea nuclear issue and will cooperate closely with Washington. South Korean Ambassador for Public Diplomacy Cho Hyun-dong visited the United States on January 22nd to meet with U.S. government officials and members of Congress. Seoul and Washington have also agreed to hold a meeting of the two country's envoys to the six-way nuclear talks shortly after the Lunar New Year holiday, pointing to the Trump administration's willingness to bolster bilateral cooperation on North Korea's nuclear issue.

[Soundbite] Cho Joon-hyuk(Spokesperson, Min. of Foreign Affairs) : "The envoys from the two nations will likely discuss the continuous pressure on Pyongyang in the form of sanctions and ways to induce change in the North's attitude."

Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se plans to call Rex Tillerson if he is appointed secretary of state, and visit him in person to discuss ways to strengthen the bilateral alliance and cooperation in dealing with Pyongyang.