Seoul, SANA-South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said it would be difficult to approve Washington’s request for greater freedom of movement for U.S. forces stationed in South Korea. Speaking en route to Washington for a summit with President Donald Trump, Lee stressed that the issue requires further discussion on the future role of U.S. troops.
The United States has sought to expand operational flexibility for its 28,500 troops in Korea, a step that could increase Seoul’s defense spending commitments.
Lee added that trade and economic cooperation will also be high on the summit agenda. The talks follow a recent deal to cut tariffs from 25% to 15% in exchange for South Korea’s pledge to invest $350 billion in the U.S. economy.
Reem / Manar Salameh
