SEOUL, November 10 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday called for stronger bipartisan cooperation with the U.S. Congress and closer monitoring of financial markets, warning that changes in Washington following last week's midterm elections could affect South Korea's economy and foreign policy.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Lee instructed government ministries to assess potential developments in the international environment and prepare contingency plans to minimize their impact on the domestic economy.
"Various changes in the external environment are expected following the U.S. midterm elections," Lee said, urging officials to examine possible scenarios and formulate detailed responses.
His remarks came after the Democratic Party won control of both chambers of Congress in the Nov. 3 elections, setting the stage for a divided government under Republican President Donald Trump.
Lee emphasized the importance of maintaining close cooperation with Washington while expanding diplomatic engagement beyond the U.S. administration.
"We must concentrate our diplomatic efforts on strengthening and expanding the foundation of trust and cooperation between the two countries from a mutually beneficial perspective," Lee said.
He stressed that South Korea must safeguard its national interests and corporate investments while ensuring that existing diplomatic and security agreements with the United States are implemented.
"To this end, we must continue close cooperation with the U.S. administration while establishing a foundation for bipartisan cooperation in Congress and expanding communication with state governments and the business community," he said.
On the economic front, Lee directed officials to strengthen financial market surveillance and establish mechanisms for responding swiftly to potential instability stemming from developments in the United States and the global economy.
He also called for greater efforts to strengthen South Korea's economic resilience by promoting strategic industries, particularly semiconductors and artificial intelligence, and supporting emerging growth sectors.
"To avoid being swayed by external headwinds, we must strengthen our fundamental capabilities," Lee said.
The president pledged to maintain a consistent yet flexible foreign policy amid growing international uncertainty.
"The greater the uncertainty in international affairs, the more necessary it becomes to combine consistent principles with flexible responses," Lee said.
He added that his administration would remain focused on pragmatic diplomacy serving the national interest and domestic policies prioritizing people's livelihoods.
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