South Korea to contribute 'substantively' to Hormuz navigation efforts, top diplomat tells US counterpart

Cho called on Rubio to maintain close communication on the issue, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, according to Yonhap news agency.

The remarks come after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ruled out sending combat troops to the Strait of Hormuz, as Seoul considers contributing to efforts to ensure freedom of navigation there amid pressure from Washington.

The two sides also reaffirmed their "solid" commitment to the bilateral alliance and agreed to continue efforts to achieve the "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" and promote peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.

Meanwhile, Cho said Seoul would act as a peacemaker to actively support the Trump administration's efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea.

"The minister and secretary agreed to continue close communication and cooperation regarding North Korea policy, including efforts for North Korea-U.S. dialogue," the ministry said.

Cho also told reporters that he called on Rubio to work together to ensure that ongoing consultations on South Korea's strategic investment projects in the US produce positive results.

Under last year's bilateral trade deal, Seoul committed to investing $350 billion in the US.

"Secretary Rubio said that the State Department will also make its efforts to ensure that the consultations will be successfully concluded," he added.

State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement that both sides pledged ongoing collaboration across key strategic sectors, including semiconductors.

Rubio reiterated the importance of "cooperating to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and also underscored the critical need for a fair, transparent, and equitable business environment for American companies operating in the Republic of Korea."

He also stressed the importance of securing supply chains for key industries.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to North Korea's "complete denuclearization" and stressed the importance of US-Japan-South Korea cooperation in regional security, Pigott said.