U.S. ambassador meets South Korean vice foreign minister to advance trade and security pact
U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel met with South Korea’s Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina in Seoul to discuss carrying out the trade and security agreements reached at last year’s summit.
In Seoul, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel held a meeting with Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina to advance the execution of bilateral accords reached at the previous year’s summit between President Lee Jae Myung and President Donald Trump. Both diplomats said the discussion was constructive and centered on the Joint Fact Sheet’s provisions covering trade, investment and security. Key items include South Korea’s pledge to invest $350 billion in the United States, negotiations to amend the 123 Agreement so Seoul can enrich uranium and reprocess spent fuel, and the country’s ambition to develop nuclear-propelled submarines.
Steel, who started her ambassadorial duties in August, has been engaging senior Korean officials on a range of alliance matters. Kim praised Steel’s understanding of Korean society and expressed confidence in her role as a bridge between the two nations. The talks signal continued momentum in deepening economic and defence ties.
Why it matters
Implementing the pact will shape future U.S.-South Korea trade, investment and security cooperation.
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