South Korea says martial law attempt undercut political momentum with Trump

South Korea says martial law attempt undercut political momentum with Trump

Foreign minister Cho Tae-yul reassures allies following a communication breakdown in the worst political crisis in decades.

Cho Tae-yul
Foreign minister Cho Tae-yul (right) and finance minister Choi Sang-mok address the media at a joint press conference in Seoul. (EPA Images pic)
SEOUL:
South Korean foreign minister Cho Tae-yul said on Wednesday that president Yoon Suk-yeol’s short-lived bid to impose martial law had created some limitations communicating with the team of US president-elect Donald Trump and undercut both sides’ political momentum.

At a rare joint news conference for foreign media, Cho and finance minister Choi Sang-mok sought to reassure Seoul’s allies and calm market jitters since the martial law attempt that shocked the nation and triggered the biggest political crisis in decades.

Cho said Seoul had built a network and communication channels with Trump’s campaign that were “stronger than those of any other country”, but the martial law order undermined “the political momentum” between the two sides.

“It is true that there have been some disruptions with communication over the past two weeks due to this situation,” Cho said.

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