Politics
14:52, 18-Aug-2017
US, South Korea to hold special session of KORUS FTA next week
["north america","other","South Korea"]
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The United States and South Korea will hold a special session of the Joint Committee under the US-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) next week, US Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer announced on Thursday.
"The special session will be held in Seoul, South Korea, on August 22, 2017," the USTR's Office said in a statement, adding Lighthizer and South Korean Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong will open the meeting via a video conference, followed by additional senior-level discussions between US and South Korean officials in Seoul.
US Trade Representative Susan Schwab (L) and South Korean Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong sign the KORUS Free Trade Agreement between the two countries 30 June 2007 in Washington, DC. /AFP Photo
US Trade Representative Susan Schwab (L) and South Korean Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong sign the KORUS Free Trade Agreement between the two countries 30 June 2007 in Washington, DC. /AFP Photo
The meeting was requested by Lighthizer in a letter to former South Korean Trade Minister Joo Hyung-hwan on July 12, according to the USTR.
In the letter, Lighthizer requested the meeting to consider matters affecting the operation of the KORUS FTA, including possible amendments and modifications to address the significant trade imbalance.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday that the KORUS FTA has benefited both countries and his administration has no reason to hold back in talks with Washington over amendments to the deal.
"The negotiations will be a long process, and we also need ratification and approval at the National Assembly. It is not desirable to fuss over the US demand for a renegotiation," he said.
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency