While Obama spoke of the strong bonds, President Lee Myung-bak said he will win over American critics of the pact, which was approved by Congress Wednesday.
The agreement is believed ‘going to create a lot of good, decent jobs for the people of America.’
The two leaders exchanged toasts in the East Room, which was adorned with apples and other fall decorations.
President Obama praised the Senate’s confirmation Thursday of Sung Y. Kim as the first Korean-American ambassador to South Korea.
President Lee spoke of his personal friendship with President Obama and the debt his country has to the United States for its sacrifices in the Korean War.
The two leaders earlier Thursday said the trade agreement is promising for both economies.
President Obama said he will sign it in the coming days.
‘In short, this agreement will boost American exports by up to $11 billion and support some 70,000 American jobs. It has ground-breaking protections for labor rights, the environment and intellectual property, so the trade is free and fair. It will promote green jobs and clean energy, another area where we’re deepening our cooperation. And it keeps us on track to achieve my goals of doubling American exports,’ President Obama said.
President Lee said he is ‘confident that the Korean National Assembly will soon ratify this very important agreement in the near future. It is a historic achievement that will become a significant milestone in our 130-year relationship.’
‘This agreement will create more jobs, generate more trade and stimulate our economies. This free trade agreement will bring numerous benefits to our workers, our companies, our small businesses, and our consumers alike,’ President Lee added.
The two presidents also said they will continue to co-operate on efforts with respect to North Korea.
‘We agree that North Korea’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons poses a serious threat to peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the world. We will continue to work towards denuclearization in the peninsula,’ President Lee said.
Earlier, at a welcoming ceremony, Obama hailed Lee as a ‘good friend and partner.’
‘Our two nations have stood together for more than 60 years,’ President Obama said. ‘Over the past two years, we’ve deepened our co-operation. Today, I’m proud to say the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea is stronger than it’s ever been.’
- North Korean leader removes major nuclear sticking point
- Kim Jong Un Makes History, Crosses Border to Meet with South Korean President
- South Korean president: Trump 'should win the Nobel Peace Prize'
- Why the White House may favor Singapore as the venue for Trump's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un
- Young South Koreans lured by cryptocurrencies struggle with bust after the boom
- Kim Jong Un's dinner with South Korea's president has a special menu with hidden symbols — here's what they all mean
- South Korea Says Discussing Peace Deal With North Korea Ahead Of Talks
- Report: North, South Korea May Announce End to Nearly 70-Year War
- ‘Only Victories and Glory’: North Korea State Media Silent on Pompeo Visit
- Exclusive – Peter Schweizer: Mitch McConnell’s Deep Financial Ties to China ‘Unprecedented’ in U.S. History
- Trump goes off-script at wild rally in Michigan, while the press party at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in DC
- North Korea's Kim Jong Un open to 'highest-level' talks with South
Obama, South Korean leader toast close ties at state dinner have 548 words, post on en.nhandan.org.vn at October 14, 2011. This is cached page on VietNam Breaking News. If you want remove this page, please contact us.
