SEOUL: Negotiations starting from tariffs to defence between South Korea and the USA have been slowed down, overshadowing a handshake settlement and a promising presidential summit, officers in Seoul mentioned.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met US President Donald Trump for the primary time on Monday (Sep 1), and emerged declaring success after displaying private chemistry and avoiding any public cut up between the 2 long-time allies.
Behind the scenes, nonetheless, the 2 sides have been unable to agree on a joint assertion or perhaps a reality sheet, and a month after asserting a deal on tariffs, the settlement nonetheless has not been finalised on paper.
Lee’s nationwide safety adviser, Wi Sung-lac, mentioned on Friday that the 2 nations didn’t produce paperwork protecting safety, economic system, commerce or investments as a result of progress remained sluggish in some areas whereas massive strides had been made in different areas.
Extra discussions and evaluations have been wanted to hash out their particulars, he added, with out offering particular particulars.
South Korean presidential chief of employees Kang Hoon-sik informed reporters on Thursday that it was a “very tough negotiation” as a result of points starting from investments to safety are intently intertwined.
“If the negotiations for one minister would not go properly, they put a break on one other negotiation that’s going properly,” he mentioned.
“We have overcome a big impediment, however there may be nonetheless an extended approach to go.”
Kang added that Washington may leverage a number of points akin to tariffs on automobiles, chips, and prescription drugs, in addition to defence prices and round US forces stationed in Korea.
Talking to his cupboard after the summit, Trump acknowledged a “downside with South Korea” however that Seoul had in the end “saved the identical deal”. Neither Seoul nor Washington has elaborated.
The US Embassy in Seoul didn’t instantly reply to questions in regards to the talks.
