Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-gwan arrived in the United States on the 10th (local time) to continue negotiations on investment in the U.S.

Minister Kim arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport near New York, U.S., on the afternoon of the same day.

Having accompanied President Lee Jae-myung on his state visit to France, Minister Kim moved straight to the U.S. after concluding his schedule in Europe.

Meeting with reporters at the airport, Minister Kim explained the purpose of his visit, saying, "I have come to wrap up the ongoing negotiations on investment in the U.S. Wrapping up those details in the negotiation process is my schedule."

Regarding the atmosphere of the negotiations, he said, "Where would negotiations ever be easy or difficult? I believe that negotiations are ongoing until the final signature is placed."

Minister Kim is scheduled to stay in the U.S. until the 12th to meet with government officials, including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, to continue coordination regarding U.S. investments.

On the same day, the U.S. daily The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the South Korean government has prepared a plan to invest more than $100 billion (approx. 134 trillion won) in energy sectors, including eight nuclear power plants and natural gas projects, as the first project for U.S. investment, bringing an agreement close.

Citing multiple sources, the WSJ reported that both South Korea and the U.S. have entered the final stages of reaching an agreement on such plans and that an announcement could be made next week.

In response to questions regarding the negotiation details, including the WSJ report, Minister Kim replied, "I cannot confirm the specific details yet. I will tell you when the final result comes out."

It is known that upon returning to South Korea, Minister Kim will report matters related to the first U.S. investment project to the National Assembly around the 17th, and proceed with the final signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) as early as the 18th.

(Photo: Yonhap News)