US, South Korean top diplomats discuss Trump tariffs

​​​​​​​ISTANBUL

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 discussed the South Korea-US alliance and economic cooperation, with Cho urging the US to conduct tariff negotiations with "sufficient time" because of the presidential election in South Korea on June 3.

"Minister Cho called for further strengthening the alliance based on a strong combined defense posture against North Korea, and for closely cooperating to explore a win-win solution from recent tariff consultations between the trade authorities of South Korea and the US," it said.

Cho asked Rubio to help arrange a call between the new South Korean president and US President Donald Trump after the elections.

The South Korean top diplomat also asked Rubio to help ensure Seoul's stance as the US' ally and a country with a free trade agreement (FTA) with Washington is taken into account.

Rubio “said he would actively cooperate," said the statement.

Rubio underscored that Trump and the US will work to strengthen the alliance between their countries.

He said the alliance has been strengthened based on three pillars: the South Korea-US Mutual Defense Treaty and combined defense capabilities of both countries such as extended deterrence and the economic and technological partnership, including trade and investment.