Seoul and Washington have begun their first negotiations on changing the free trade agreement they signed five years ago. CGTN's White House Correspondent Jessica Stone has more on the talks.

JESSICA STONE WASHINGTON "Unlike the NAFTA re-negotiations, the trade talks between Seoul and Washington are designed to amend the agreement, rather than start from scratch. President Donald Trump's main concern has been last year's 21.6 billion dollar trade deficit between the two nations. In the past few years, it's been going down. He wants to keep it that way. Talks began Friday morning. It was also an opportunity for both sides to present their initial round of desired changes. According to Wendy Cutler, who helped negotiate the original free trade agreement, "the automotive sector will be front and center in this negotiation." Cutler says Seoul's tariffs on U.S. trucks are of particular concern to the U.S. automakers who say the tariffs are discriminatory. There are also U.S. concerns that the ROK hasn't fully implemented parts of the agreement. For its part, Seoul says the free trade agreement has benefited both countries by expanding trade and improving market access. A study the country commissioned last year shows any amendments to the existing agreement are unlikely to have a significant impact, because in many trade sectors most of the tariffs have already been scrapped. Korean negotiator, Yoo Myung-hee, arrived in the U.S. on Thursday. According to Yonhap News Agency, she told reporters: "I will put the national interest first and conduct negotiations in a manner that strikes a balance of interests and reflects our national interest. Whatever issues come up, we will reciprocate U.S. demands with our own." On his recent trip to Asia, President Trump said he could no longer tolerate chronic trade abuses and would insist on fair and equal trade policies. Nonetheless, after Seoul announced the purchase of $58 billion dollars in U.S. goods and services.Trump appeared more hopeful that the U.S. trade deficit will be closed.

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "I feel confident that we'll be able to reach a free, fair, and reciprocal trade deal as we renegotiate our current five-year-old trade document."

MOON JAE-IN ROK PRESIDENT "In order to enjoy the benefit of free, equitable, and balanced trade together, we agreed to have the relevant authorities expedite the process of KORUS FTA consultation. By sharing the universal value and the fruits of economic prosperity with the humankind, President Trump and I agreed to make a joint contribution to the peace and prosperity of the world."

JESSICA STONE WASHINGTON "Remember, last September, U.S. news outlets reported that Trump was threatening to pull out of the agreement. Many lawmakers are pushing the U.S. to stay in-especially those who represent beef and dairy farmers. They have benefited from the agreement. Jessica Stone, CGTN, Washington."