Economic Security Strategy Task Force Meeting
Calls for "Bipartisan Cooperation"
Prime Minister and Acting President Han Ducksoo is speaking at the Economic Security Strategy Task Force (TF) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 21st. Photo by Yonhap News
Prime Minister and Acting President Han Ducksoo announced on the 21st that "on April 24 at 9 p.m. (8 a.m. U.S. time), Deputy Prime Minister for Economy Choi Sangmok and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Dukgeun will hold a Korea-U.S. 2+2 trade consultation with U.S. Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo and U.S. Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi."
In his opening remarks at the Economic Security Strategy Task Force meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on this day, Han stated, "Following the trade consultation, the trade ministers of both countries will also hold separate bilateral talks. Therefore, I expect that this first meeting between Korea and the United States will serve as a meaningful starting point for cooperation."
Han emphasized, "The government will make every effort to find mutually beneficial solutions for both countries by engaging in calm and sincere discussions with the United States under the principle of 'national interest first.' We will specifically address the three key areas mentioned in the phone call with U.S. President Trump?trade balance, shipbuilding, and liquefied natural gas (LNG)?by confirming the interests of both sides and seeking mutually advantageous agreements."
He also said, "While the consultations are underway, we will thoroughly prepare and implement measures to minimize the difficulties faced by our companies. We will also closely monitor the negotiation trends of major countries such as the European Union (EU) and Japan to ensure the consultations are conducted effectively."
Han remarked, "The upcoming consultations with the United States will not be easy. I am well aware that as these discussions become more active, there are both high expectations and concerns. However, the Republic of Korea has always turned crises into opportunities and challenges into stepping stones for growth and prosperity by uniting as one."
He added, "For these consultations with the United States to succeed, the efforts of the government and businesses, the support of the public and the media, and cooperation from the political sector are all essential. This afternoon, I will have the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy visit the National Assembly to provide a detailed explanation of the schedule and plans for the U.S. consultations. I ask for bipartisan cooperation from the perspective of national interest."
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