Seoul, July 3
President Lee Jae Myung said on Thursday the government has made utmost efforts on tariff negotiations with the United States, but he can't say whether the talks could be concluded by July 8, a deadline set by US President Donald Trump.
Lee made the remark during the press conference marking his first month in office, as Seoul and Washington continue talks to reduce the 25 percent reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, reports news agency.
South Korea is "doing our best" for tariff talks with the U.S., but Lee said, "At this point, it is difficult to say with certainty whether they can be concluded by July 8."
As it remains unclear what exactly each side wants in order to produce mutually beneficial outcomes, Lee said the government will work to identify areas where agreement is possible.
"We are actively identifying and developing many agenda items across various areas. We will do our very best," he said, without elaborating on diplomatically sensitive issues.
Lee said his government has taken a first step toward promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula by suspending propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts along the border, expressing hope that the reconciliatory move could lay the groundwork for renewed dialogue with Pyongyang.