비건-최종건 "한미동맹 중요성" 재확인...비건-이도훈, 美 정권이양기 한반도 상황 관리 논의

The U.S. deputy secretary of state, Stephen Biegun, is in Seoul this week to meet with high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha... to discuss issues related to North Korea... and matters regarding the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
It's expected to be his final trip to Seoul in his current role under President Trump.
Yoon Jung-min reports.
South Korea's vice foreign minister Choi Jong-kun, in his meeting with U.S. deputy state secretary Stephen Biegun on Wednesday, reiterated the strong Seoul-Washington alliance,... saying both the Moon and Trump administrations have achieved a lot.
"Both the U.S. and the ROK have started on what I consider as an irreversible path toward peace making on the Korean Peninsula. We're a rock solid linchpin of peace security in Northeast Asia."
In response, Biegun emphasized cooperation between the two countries on many fronts,... saying his trip this time will not be the last one.
"Not only on the alliance issues but on relations with North Korea and also combatting in recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic. I look forward to continuing close cooperation with you and your team in the weeks and months ahead."
The agenda included their work on the Korean Peace Process, and cooperation on South Korea's New Southern Policy and the U.S.' Indo-Pacific Strategy,... as well as other bilateral and regional issues.
Also discussed was the continuation of such work under a new administration.
Observers see Biegun's visit as a farewell trip before U.S. President-elect Joe Biden takes office in January.
There have been a series of unresolved issues between Seoul and Washington,... including the stalled defense cost-sharing negotiations and denuclearization talks with North Korea.
Biegun, who also serves as the U.S. pointman on North Korea, also met Seoul's chief nuclear negotiator Lee Do-hoon on Wednesday.
"I look forward to good consultations today on how to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula in this time of transition and how to keep alive the momentum for dialogue with North Korea."
Seoul's foreign ministry said they have reviewed the progress made on the Korean Peace Process.
"Our work together over these two and a half years is a story of leadership of President Moon, President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong-un. Of leaders' willing to step outside the expected norms and predictable behaviors of the past to try to advance a bold new vision."
While here, Biegun is expected to meet South Korea's national security advisor Suh Hoon and other key figures.
On Thursday, Biegun will meet Seoul's unification minister Lee In-young for a breakfast meeting,... and on Friday, he will meet foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha for a banquet.
He is to give a lecture at a local think tank on Thursday.
Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.