"Not True That Trade Negotiations Will Be Concluded Before the Presidential Election"... Government Rebuts U.S. Treasury Remarks

Source
Korea Economic Daily

Summary

  • The government countered U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant's remarks, stating it will not rush negotiations.
  • The Ministry of Strategy and Finance emphasized that there were no discussions about concluding negotiations with the U.S. before the presidential election.
  • The government conveyed that it will proceed with consultations according to procedures, considering the political situation and communication with the National Assembly.

The government reaffirmed its stance not to rush negotiations, countering U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant's remarks that 'Korea wants to establish the basic framework for trade negotiations before the presidential election.'

On the 30th, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance stated in a joint explanation document, "We have not conveyed or discussed any intention to conclude the framework of negotiations with the U.S. before the presidential election and then proceed with the election campaign."

Furthermore, it emphasized, "In the 2+2 trade consultations, our government explained that it is necessary to consider Korea's political situation and communication with the National Assembly in future consultations," and reiterated that "there is no change in the position to proceed with consultations according to procedures without haste."

Previously, Secretary Besant stated at a White House briefing on the 29th (local time) that "the outline of negotiations with Korea is gradually emerging," and pointed out Korea and Japan, saying, "These governments want to show that they have successfully conducted negotiations with the U.S. by establishing the basic framework of trade agreements before the election."

He added, "We are confirming that they are more willing to come to the negotiating table and resolve this issue before proceeding with the election campaign."

Reporter Oh Se-seong, Hankyung.com sesung@hankyung.com

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Korea Economic Daily

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