Request for Consultations Based on the Principle of Prioritizing National Interest
On the morning of May 19, Jooho Lee, Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Education, held an Economic Security Strategy Meeting at the Government Complex Seoul and discussed the response strategy for the second round of technology consultations with the United States, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. from May 20 to 22.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy; the Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination; the Acting Minister of Economy and Finance; the Chief Negotiator for Trade; and the First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. They shared the results of the high-level Korea-U.S. ministerial consultations held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting on May 16.
Lee instructed, "With the goal of reaching a July package (comprehensive agreement in July), please conduct consultations with the United States calmly and earnestly, prioritizing the national interest and the principle of mutual benefit." The upcoming second round of technology consultations, which will focus on issues such as balanced trade, non-tariff measures, and economic security, is expected to be the last in-person Korea-U.S. consultation before the Korean presidential election scheduled for June 3.
Lee also requested, "Please ensure close cooperation between the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and relevant ministries so that consultations with the United States proceed smoothly," and emphasized the importance of continuously communicating with the National Assembly and the public throughout the consultation process.
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