Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on Deputy National Security Advisor Avril Haines' Call with First Deputy Director of the National Security Office of the Republic of Korea Cho Taeyong

Deputy National Security Advisor Avril Haines spoke by phone today with First Deputy Director of the National Security Office of the Republic of Korea Cho Taeyong. DNSA Haines conveyed that the United States continues to be a steadfast ally, friend, and partner to the ROK, and that we look forward to working with Prime Minister Hwang in his new capacity as Acting President of the ROK.  We anticipate policy consistency and continuity across a range of issues, including the DPRK, other regional matters, and international economics and trade.  The two officials affirmed that the U.S.-ROK alliance will continue to be a linchpin of regional stability and security, and DNSA Haines underscored that the United States will continue to meet all of its alliance commitments, especially regarding defending against the threat from the DPRK.