President Lee says export uncertainties removed; Lee-Trump summit expected within 2 weeks

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung notes that the trade deal with the U.S. has eliminated export uncertainties.

With this, a South Korea-U.S. summit is picking up speed, which is set to take place within two weeks.

Our Presidential Office Correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports.

Uncertainties in export conditions have been substantially eliminated, and South Korea has crossed a "major hurdle."

That was the assessment made by President Lee Jae Myung of the U.S. trade deal, as he noted the need to navigate an international trade order that's being reorganized.

"Through flexible, pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests, we must wisely overcome the waves of the external environment that change fast."

Presiding over a weekly meeting with his aides on Thursday, the President instructed the officials to fully prepare for follow-up measures, as well as long-term tasks, such as expanding consumption at home and diversifying export markets.

With a major diplomatic challenge somewhat removed, summit diplomacy between South Korea and the U.S. is expected to pick up speed, which has been stalled since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June.

The first Lee-Trump summit is expected within two weeks.

"I heard President Trump asked Secretary Rubio to set a date for next week, but considering schedules, it'll take place within two weeks."

Details of the summit, including the date, could be discussed when South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun meets his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington on Thursday, local time.

The summit agenda is expected to include setting out details of the deal's framework.

Security issues, such as the allies' defense cost-sharing and purchasing U.S.-made weapons, were not addressed this time, but could be brought up when the two leaders meet.

Earlier in the day, South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back spoke over the phone with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, where they agreed to "modernize" the alliance and expand cooperation in shipbuilding.

All this, as the South Korean leader says he expects Seoul and Washington to further strengthen their economic cooperation and alliance.

Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.