By Xu Aiying and Lee Hana

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Oct. 29, and underscored the need to move forward denuclearization efforts and inter-Korean relations in a virtuous circle, backed by close Korea-U.S. cooperation.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Minister Kang shared with Secretary Pompeo the outcome of her meeting with Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun held earlier that day.

Secretary Pompeo shared the recent progress in follow-up negotiations between the United States and North Korea, and suggested that Korea and the United States remain cooperative on North Korean issues.

The diplomats also discussed key issues concerning their two countries, from ways to achieving complete denuclearization and lasting peace, as well as the possibility of exempting Korea from U.S. sanctions against Iran.

Minister Kang, bringing attention to the United States' plan to reinstate sanctions against Iran, asked that the U.S. government exercise flexibility and exempt Korea from the sanctions in order to minimize damage to Korean enterprises.

Secretary Pompeo responded that the United States would be mindful of Korea's position, and continue to cooperate closely with the Korean government.

xuaiy@korea.kr