This photo, provided by the finance ministry, Acting President Choi Sang-mok, right, shaking hands with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken prior to their meeting in Seoul, Jan. 6. Yonhap

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday reaffirmed the United States' complete confidence in the strength of Korea's democracy and the leadership of acting President Choi Sang-mok, according to Seoul's finance ministry.

Washington's top diplomat made the remarks in talks with Choi during his visit to Seoul.

His visit here comes amid political uncertainties following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt to impose martial law on Dec. 3. Choi assumed the interim leadership role after the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon on Dec. 14 and then acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo two weeks later.

During Monday's meeting in Seoul, Blinken emphasized that Washington not only has full confidence in the resilience of Korea's democracy but also in Choi's leadership.

"The 70-year alliance between Korea and the United States remains a cornerstone of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region," the ministry quoted Blinken as saying.

Furthermore, Blinken commended the progress achieved through trilateral cooperation among Korea, the U.S. and Japan, particularly following the historical Camp David summit. The summit in August 2023 brought together Yoon, U.S. President Joe Biden and then Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Blinken expressed Washington's anticipation that such achievements will be sustained and further expanded.

Blinken's visit marks the first trip to Seoul by a top U.S. official since Yoon's impeachment, while his talks with Cho mark the first high-level engagement between the allies. Blinken arrived in Korea late Sunday.

In response, Choi expressed gratitude for Washington's steadfast support and trust in Korea's democracy and alliance.

He further noted that Blinken's visit itself is a testament to the unwavering strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance.

Announcing the visit last week, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Blinken will meet Seoul officials to discuss ways the two nations can "build our critical cooperation" on challenges around the world.

Blinken is on a three-nation tour this week, with planned stops in Japan and France. The trip is widely expected to be his final overseas visit as the top U.S. diplomat under the Biden administration. (Yonhap)