South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held talks on Thursday with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent focused on strengthening economic coordination and expanding cooperation in key strategic sectors.
During the meeting, President Lee emphasized the importance of deeper economic ties between South Korea and the United States as both countries navigate growing uncertainty in the global economy. He said stronger cooperation between Seoul and Washington would help support economic stability and improve resilience against external shocks.
According to the South Korean presidency, Lee called for broader collaboration in areas linked to economic security and advanced technology. Discussions included cooperation on critical minerals, supply chain stability and coordination in foreign exchange markets, sectors increasingly viewed as essential amid geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global trade.
The meeting comes at a time when governments around the world are seeking to strengthen supply chains and secure access to strategic resources used in industries such as semiconductors, batteries and clean energy technology.
South Korea, one of the world’s leading technology exporters, has been working closely with the United States on industrial policy and supply chain partnerships, particularly following growing competition in the semiconductor sector and continuing instability in global energy markets.
Treasury Secretary Bessent praised President Lee’s leadership and highlighted South Korea’s economic performance despite challenging international conditions, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and volatility in global financial markets.
He also commended the resilience of South Korea’s economy and the strong performance of the country’s stock market, noting that Seoul has maintained investor confidence even as geopolitical risks continue to affect global trade and investment flows.
The discussions reflected growing coordination between the two allies on economic and financial issues as governments seek to respond to inflation pressures, market uncertainty and supply disruptions linked to international conflicts.
Analysts say cooperation between Washington and Seoul has become increasingly important in recent years as both countries attempt to reduce dependence on vulnerable supply chains and strengthen strategic industries.
The meeting also underscored South Korea’s efforts to position itself as a key partner in global technology and manufacturing networks. Seoul has expanded investment in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor production and battery development while seeking stronger ties with the United States and other allies.
Officials from both countries did not announce specific agreements following the talks, but they described the discussions as constructive and aimed at expanding long-term economic coordination.
The United States and South Korea maintain close trade and security ties, with economic cooperation increasingly becoming a central pillar of the broader alliance as global competition over technology, energy and industrial policy intensifies.
