Lee Jae-myung Meets US Ambassador Goldberg... "Both Countries Must Cooperate to Alleviate IRA Industry Concerns"

US Ambassador "Aware of Concerns in Korea"
Expresses Condolences for Itaewon Tragedy

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with Philip Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, and requested cooperation to alleviate corporate concerns arising from the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). In response, Ambassador Goldberg acknowledged the concerns and pledged to work on resolving the issues.

Lee and Goldberg held a meeting at the National Assembly on the 1st. During the meeting, Lee said in his welcoming remarks, "It is very important for our two countries to establish a mutually beneficial cooperative relationship in future advanced industries," adding, "Regarding the recently discussed U.S. IRA, I believe it is necessary for both countries to cooperate in addressing the concerns held by our companies and industries."

He continued, "I have sent letters requesting cooperation to U.S. congressional leaders," and said, "I hope that South Korea’s concerns will be reasonably resolved for the stable, continuous, and comprehensive development of the Korea-U.S. alliance, and I hope the Ambassador will provide much assistance in this regard."

In response, Ambassador Goldberg said, "I am well aware of the concerns within South Korea related to the IRA and that Korean companies have many worries," adding, "We are currently working to resolve this issue in a manner befitting the alliance between our two countries through cooperation with our ally, South Korea."

Lee emphasized the Korea-U.S. alliance and urged cooperation for peaceful denuclearization. He said, "Our people have full trust in the Korea-U.S. alliance," and added, "As long as the strong extended deterrence of the Korea-U.S. alliance continues, I am confident that no form of nuclear weapons is necessary in the Republic of Korea or on the Korean Peninsula."

He further stated, "As the Ambassador also mentioned, I agree that the claim for redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula is an irresponsible argument not worth considering," and said, "I believe that South Korea and the United States must continue to cooperate closely for the peaceful denuclearization of the entire Korean Peninsula."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The two also exchanged condolences regarding the recent Itaewon 'Halloween Day' crowd crush accident in South Korea. Lee expressed, "I deeply appreciate the condolences and comfort sent by the U.S. government and the American people concerning this Itaewon tragedy," and Ambassador Goldberg said, "As President Joe Biden stated, the United States stands with South Korea during this tragic time."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.