Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed uncertainty on Thursday regarding the possibility of reaching a trade agreement with the United States by the July 8 deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for the implementation of “reciprocal tariffs.” Lee, addressing a press conference to mark his first 30 days in office, indicated that tariff negotiations were proving challenging and it was difficult to predict a conclusion by the specified date, despite his administration’s dedicated efforts.
According to Namibia Press Agency, President Lee emphasized the need for mutually beneficial outcomes in the negotiations between Seoul and Washington. However, he noted that clear demands from each side had yet to be established. Lee acknowledged the complexity of the issue, recognizing that his statements could influence the ongoing negotiations, and assured that his government would persist in striving for the best possible results.
In addition to trade discussions, President Lee outlined his foreign policy approach, focusing on protecting peace and the security of the population through pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests. This approach is based on strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance, fostering close cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan, and seeking to improve relations swiftly with China and Russia.