South Korean Industry Minister to Visit U.S. for Talks on “Sensitive Country” Designation and Energy Cooperation
South Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun is expected to visit the United States later this week for discussions regarding Washington’s designation of South Korea as a “sensitive country,” government sources confirmed on Monday.
South Korea’s Placement on U.S. Sensitive Country List
In early January, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) placed South Korea in the “lowest” category of its Sensitive and Other Designated Countries List (SCL). This move was made in the final weeks of former U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration, shortly after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law in December. However, the exact reasons behind this classification remain unclear, according to reports by Yonhap News Agency.
Planned Meeting with U.S. Officials
Sources revealed that South Korea is actively coordinating with the DOE to arrange a meeting between Minister Ahn Duk-geun and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Washington later this week.
“If both sides reach a mutual agreement, Minister Ahn is likely to visit the U.S. by the end of the week,” a government official said.
Key issues on the agenda include:
- The Alaska Gas Development Project
- Nuclear energy cooperation
- The rationale behind South Korea’s designation as a sensitive country
- Efforts to remove South Korea from the DOE’s list
Government’s Response to U.S. Classification
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has instructed the Industry Minister to actively engage with U.S. officials on the matter this week. Additionally, he has directed government agencies to explain South Korea’s stance to Washington to ensure that bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and energy remains unaffected.
Ahn’s Previous Trip to Washington and Trade Implications
This visit comes just three weeks after Ahn’s last trip to Washington in late February, during which he met with key U.S. trade officials, including Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. However, he was unable to meet with Energy Secretary Wright due to scheduling conflicts.
This time, discussions are likely to focus on the Alaska Gas Pipeline Project, a key energy initiative launched under Donald Trump’s administration. South Korea has expressed interest in the multi-trillion-dollar project as part of its strategy to reduce its trade surplus with the United States.
The U.S. is reportedly preparing to impose “reciprocal” tariffs on key trade partners as part of its efforts to reduce its trade deficit. South Korea’s removal from the sensitive countries list could play a crucial role in maintaining stable economic relations between the two nations.
