Ankara: South Korea's top diplomat Cho Tae-yul and his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, discussed US tariffs during a call Tuesday, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry. The ministers addressed the South Korea-US alliance and economic cooperation, with Cho urging the US to conduct tariff negotiations with "sufficient time" due to the presidential election in South Korea on June 3.

According to Anadolu Agency, Cho emphasized the importance of strengthening the alliance through a robust combined defense posture against North Korea and closely collaborating to find a mutually beneficial solution in the ongoing tariff consultations between the trade authorities of both nations. In addition, Cho requested Rubio's assistance in facilitating a call between the new South Korean president and US President Donald Trump post-elections.

Furthermore, the South Korean top diplomat sought Rubio's support in ensuring that Seoul's position as a US ally and a nation with a free trade agreement with Washington is acknowledged. Rubio assured that he would actively cooperate in these efforts, as noted in the statement.

Rubio highlighted that Trump and the US are committed to reinforcing the alliance between the countries. He elaborated that the alliance has been fortified based on three pillars: the South Korea-US Mutual Defense Treaty, their combined defense capabilities, including extended deterrence, and the economic and technological partnership encompassing trade and investment.