A/S CAMPBELL'S MEETING WITH DEPUTY TRADE MINISTER

C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 000258 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/08/2020 TAGS: ECON ETRD PREL PGOV KS SUBJECT: A/S CAMPBELL'S MEETING WITH DEPUTY TRADE MINISTER LEE HYE-MIN Classified By: EAP Assistant Secretary Kurt M. Campbell. Reasons 1.4 B/D ¶1. (C) In his February 3 meeting with Deputy Trade Minister Lee Hye-min, A/S Campbell underscored the importance of the discussion about the KORUS FTA between President Obama and President Lee last November. Campbell also stressed President Obama's positive remarks on trade during his State of the Union Address. He noted the strategic importance of the FTA to both countries as well as the substantial potential economic benefits. ¶2. (C) A/S Campbell emphasized that the U.S.-ROK relationship was extremely strong and counseled that the ROKG should maintain confidence that the agreement will be ratified. He added that business could do a better job of expressing support for the agreement. ¶3. (C) Deputy Minister Lee said the ROKG was encouraged by the Lee-Obama conversation last November and by President Obama's State of the Union Address. Lee said Korea understood the U.S. domestic political issues and would seek to address U.S. concerns. He also stressed that Korea also has substantial domestic sensitivities. Lee indicated that the ROKG is trying to remain patient but asked for Campbell's assessment of how long the process would take. A/S Campbell responded that he was optimistic but did not give a specific timeframe. He invited Lee to call upon him when next in Washington. STEPHENS