Seoul to move closer to U.S. on N. Korean provocation: FM

SEOUL, Jan. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se said Wednesday Seoul seeks to expand ties with the United States, as Pyongyang could seek to make provocations amid the transition of administration in Washington. During his meeting with The Washington Times, Yun said South Korea will continue cooperating with the new U.S. administration to maintain the Seoul-Washington alliance and their capabilities to curb provocations. Yun also said South Korea wishes to hold talks with Rex Tillerson, who has been nominated as secretary of state, as soon as possible to discuss key security issues including the North Korean nuke. The minister added Seoul is currently discussing how to develop the alliance with the transition team. The Washington Times is one of some 20 U.S. dailies that openly supported President-elect Donald Trump. colin@yna.co.kr (END)