Biden Congratulates President-Elect Yoon

U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday phoned president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol to congratulate him on his election win.

The two "affirmed the strength of the U.S.-[South Korea] alliance, which is the linchpin for peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," according to the White House.

Biden said he hoped to deepen cooperation in tackling global challenges, such as climate change and the pandemic and added that South Korea has played a core role in supporting Ukraine.

Yoon and Biden also pledged to work closely together in response to the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. According to a statement released by Yoon's People Power Party, Biden asked him to visit the White House after taking the office, and Yoon expressed hope to meet Biden at an early date.

The call was originally scheduled for Friday, but they instead connected at 10:00 a.m. here on Thursday at Washington's request, just five hours after the National Assembly accepted the election result.

A meeting could take place as early as May in Seoul if Biden stops en route on a visit to Tokyo for the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or "Quad" summit.

Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also expressed hopes of working closely with Yoon to rebuild healthier ties between the two neighbors. According to Kyodo News on Thursday, Kishida said it is "fundamental" that promises between nations are kept to improve icy bilateral relations.