South Korea FM Cho plans Japan, US visits for first bilateral talks

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is making an atypical first foreign visit to Japan before traveling to the United States to meet his counterparts, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Cho aims to enhance bilateral relations with Japan and strengthen trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, discussing long-standing historical issues in a future-oriented manner while prioritizing peace and stability in Northeast Asia. A key agenda includes supporting trade negotiations with the U.S. to avoid steep tariffs set to take effect on August 1, with Cho expected to back efforts to finalize a deal that would limit the impact of those tariffs on South Korea's export economy. The meetings also focus on addressing regional security challenges, including North Korea's nuclear threats, and reaffirming commitments to ongoing diplomatic engagement and shuttle diplomacy between the leaders. Cho's visit marks a strategic effort to deepen alliances and cooperation amid critical geopolitical and economic challenges in the region.