Their first one-on-one meeting scheduled for Saturday comes about a month after U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. The two are expected to discuss various topics including the bilateral alliance and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Included among the key agenda is North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
With uncertainties still remaining about the U.S. policy toward Pyongyang, South Korea aims to emphasize the need for close coordination to ensure it is not sidelined in future negotiations on the matter.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently referred to North Korea as a "nuclear power," raising concerns that Washington may be shifting its stance on North Korea's denuclearization. That prompted the White House to reaffirm that the U.S. remains committed to North Korea's complete denuclearization.
On the other hand, economic concerns would be one of the key topics of their talks, particularly with Trump's tariff offensive affecting almost every sector, triggering trade wars and putting global industries in the crosshairs.
The issue of defense cost-sharing may also arise, as Trump has reiterated South Korea should pay more for the upkeep of U.S. Forces Korea.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce hinted at such moves earlier this week, saying that Rubio "will discuss a range of U.S. priorities with international partners."
A trilateral meeting between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan will also be held to discuss regional security cooperation.
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