President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday that South Korea will continue to closely cooperate with the US administration following the recent US midterm elections, while also seeking to expand bipartisan support in Congress for issues related to the country and the alliance.
Lee made the remarks at a Cabinet meeting after the opposition Democratic Party in the United States won control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives in last week's midterm elections.
"After the US midterm elections, many changes are expected to take place in the external environment," the South Korean president said, instructing officials to prepare thoroughly for any possible changes. "Utmost attention should be paid to minimizing negative effects from external uncertainties on the domestic economy."
"More important than anything would be strengthening and expanding the foundation for cooperation and trust between the two countries from the mutually beneficial perspective," Lee added, calling for efforts to ensure the implementation of bilateral diplomatic and security agreements.
The president, in particular, stressed the importance of sufficiently protecting national interests and investments of South Korean firms.
"To that end, (South Korea) would need to continue close cooperation with the US administration, while, at the same time, establishing a bipartisan foundation for cooperation in Congress and expanding the scope of communication with the state governments and the economic sector," the president noted.
He also stressed the importance of consistency and flexibility amid global uncertainties, pledging to focus on diplomacy that prioritizes national interests and policies benefiting the people. (Yonhap)
