(LEAD) S. Korean, U.S. security chiefs discuss Korea peace, global issues: Cheong Wa Dae
(ATTN: ADDS statement from White House in last 2 paras)
SEOUL, Jan. 23 (Yonhap) -- The top national security officials of South Korea and the United States agreed on the need for close bilateral cooperation in advancing the Korea peace process and the handling of global issues during their phone call Saturday, Cheong Wa Dae said.
It was the first formal conversation between Suh Hoon, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, and his new American counterpart, Jake Sullivan, since the launch of the Joe Biden administration this week.
Suh congratulated Sullivan on his inauguration as White House national security adviser, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok.
The two sides reaffirmed the robustness of the two countries' alliance and agreed that it's important to work together not just on regional security issues but also on pending global challenges, such as COVID-19, the economic recovery, climate change and cybersecurity.
Sullivan pointed out that the alliance is a "linchpin" of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, Kang added.
The officials also agreed that Seoul and Washington will make joint efforts to attain the goal of denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
They shared the view that President Moon Jae-in and Biden need to start "communication" at an early date.
Emily Horne, spokesperson of the U.S. National Security Council, also issued a statement on the call, saying Sullivan "stressed the Biden administration's commitment to further strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance." ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.
"They discussed the importance of close coordination on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, as well as on other regional and global challenges including COVID-19 and combating climate change," Horne said in the statement, referring to the North by its official name.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
All BTS members renew contract with BigHit
-
S. Korea, U.S. stage joint naval drills in East Sea amid N.K. threats
-
Presidential office to discuss with China on Xi's possible visit to S. Korea
-
S. Korea, China, Japan to hold talks this week to discuss three-way summit
-
(Asiad) S. Korea beat Bahrain in men's football to cap perfect run through group phase
-
5 years after signing, future of inter-Korean military accord unclear
-
Kim-Putin summit highlights strategic push to expand cooperation
-
In desperation, N. Korea, Russia turn to one another for mutual assistance rivaling U.S.-S. Korea cooperation
-
N. Korea probably sees technical advance in spy satellite launch despite botched 2nd attempt
-
N.K. weapons parade sends message of defiance against S. Korea, U.S.