Industry minister discusses bilateral cooperation with acting US ambassador to Seoul

Ahn Deok-geun, minister of trade, industry and energy, gives a speech during the Korea-Czech Investment and Business Conference at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, Feb. 17. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun met with acting U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Joseph Yun on Friday to discuss bolstering bilateral cooperation in various areas from trade to energy, Ahn's office said.

The two sides agreed bilateral ties have been elevated to the level of alliance on the economy and advanced industries, with the expansion of trade and investments, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

They discussed areas where the two countries can strengthen cooperation, such as batteries, semiconductors, shipbuilding and energy.

In the meeting, Ahn stressed the importance of "consistency" of system and policies that could affect trade and investment between the two sides, according to the ministry.

Yun said the U.S. Embassy here will try its best to further bolster the Seoul-Washington alliance in security and the economy that developed over more than 70 years.

The two sides also agreed to collaborate for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Gyeongju, about 275 kilometers southeast of Seoul, according to the ministry.

The ministry said it will continue to closely monitor the impact of new U.S. tariffs on Korean industries and negotiate with Washington on the matter. (Yonhap)