Wendy R. Sherman, a top U.S. State Department official, arrived in Seoul on Monday evening for talks with South Korean officials to discuss alliance issues.

Sherman’s visit to Seoul is her first since being appointed undersecretary of state for political affairs in July.

It is part of her three-day trip to Asia ― Tokyo on Sunday, Seoul on Monday and Tuesday and Beijing later on Tuesday.

“Ambassador Sherman travels to Seoul on Nov. 21. On Nov. 22, she will meet with a range of senior officials to explore how to expand the depth and breadth of our alliance,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

“The visit will help maintain the positive momentum in the relationship following President Lee’s state visit to Washington.”

In Seoul, Sherman is scheduled to meet with Vice Foreign Minister Park Suk-hwan, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Kim Jae-shin and Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs Kim Bong-hyun.

In Beijing, Sherman will meet with Chinese senior government and party officials to continue “high-level U.S. engagement with China” and “commitment to deepening cooperation in a wide range of areas,” the State Department said.

By Kim Yoon-mi (yoonmi@heraldcorp.com)