South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discuss delayed investments and Middle East security

On September 18, 2026, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C., to discuss delayed South Korean investments in the United States and Seoul's role in Middle East security. The meeting addressed concerns over US$350 billion in investments pledged under a 2025 trade deal, with Rubio urging swift execution. Cho expressed Seoul's willingness to contribute to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Both officials reaffirmed commitment to North Korea's denuclearization. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Seoul would not deploy military assets to the Middle East but was reviewing a greater role in navigation security.