During their telephone conversation about arranging an in-person meeting, Blinken expressed strong confidence in South Korea's current interim leadership, calling Han "a capable and respected leader."
Blinken reaffirmed Washington's "unwavering support for the people of [South Korea], emphasizing the importance both nations place on democratic institutions and the rule of law," said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller quoting him as saying.
He also stressed the bilateral alliance "remains ironclad," highlighting that the "enduring nature of the alliance, which is rooted in shared values and mutual interests."
Cho also agreed the importance of maintaining strong alliance between the two countries, mentioning Han's call with President Joe Biden last week, and pledged to further cooperate with each other.
They also discussed maintaining the momentum of trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan.
Their in-person meeting is likely to take place by mid-January, as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell had previously suggested plans for high-level talks with Seoul during the final weeks of the Biden administration, before incoming U.S. President Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.
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