The Presidential National Security Office held a standing committee meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to address pending issues in U.S.-Korea trade and security, reviewing key bilateral matters and discussing strategies for response.

The NSC standing committee meeting, held today (July 16) and presided over by National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac, was attended by regular members as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy Koo Yun-cheol, Fair Trade Commission Chairperson Joo Byung-ki, and officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha, who recently drew attention for her temporary return to Korea, was also in attendance.

Director Wi Sung-lac emphasized, "In a time when uncertainty in the external environment is heightening, we must coordinate our response measures well to protect the national interest based on a shared understanding." He added, "As the U.S.-Korea relationship involves both trade and security, various ministries must cooperate organically to advance it to the next level."

The National Security Office explained, "Moving forward, we plan to coordinate security strategies to maximize the national interest through constant cooperation among relevant ministries, in line with the trend where trade issues and security agendas are closely linked."

(Photo: Yonhap News)