▲ This photo, provided by the foreign ministry, shows South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) shaking hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio before their talks at the State Department in Washington on Feb. 3, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- The top diplomats of South Korea and the United States held talks in Washington on Friday, as the two countries have been in talks over the Asian country's planned investment in the U.S., its potential efforts to help secure the Strait of Hormuz and diplomacy toward North Korea.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met at the State Department for their first bilateral talks since February, as the allies face various issues, including how Seoul will contribute to ongoing efforts to restore free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a press conference hours ahead of their talks, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said that there will be no troop dispatch that might result in Seoul's involvement in an overseas conflict, but underscored the need for Korea to protect its citizens and national interests in the strait.

During the meeting, Cho and Rubio were also expected to discuss South Korea's commitment to investing US$350 billion in the U.S. as part of last year's bilateral trade agreement.

Seoul and Washington were initially expected to announce South Korea's first investment project under the trade agreement on Friday (Korea time). But the announcement has reportedly been postponed until next week after a related briefing to the National Assembly was delayed.

The top diplomats could also discuss cooperation over North Korea-related issues as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to resume summitry with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

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