READOUT
OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON
The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Republic of Korea (ROK) President Moon Jae-in today in Seoul. During the meeting, they reaffirmed that the strong U.S.-ROK Alliance is the linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and across the world. President Moon, Secretary Blinken, and Secretary Austin also discussed the importance of expanding cooperation to combat COVID-19 and the climate crisis. Secretary Blinken highlighted the importance of reinvigorating trilateral cooperation among the United States, Japan, and the ROK to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region and to address the global challenges of today and the future, including North Korea.