HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases...Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin’s Meeting with Republic of Korea President Moon hide Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin’s Meeting with Republic of Korea President Moon Readout Office of the Spokesperson March 18, 2021 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. Tags Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Secretary Trip The Secretary of State South Korea