President Yoon Seok-yeol received a letter from US President Joe Biden on the 4th (local time) stating that he would continue to consult with South Korea to resolve concerns about the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
A high-ranking official at the presidential office revealed this fact at a briefing at the Yongsan government building this afternoon, saying, "The president, the head of the US administration, has expressed a clear understanding of our concerns about the bills passed by the U.S. Congress."
President Biden said in a personal letter, "I am well aware of President Yoon's concerns about the IRA," and emphasized that "we will continue our consultations with an honest and open mind between South Korea and the United States," the official said.
"I am also confident that the Republic of Korea will play a key role in strengthening our alliance and achieving our common goals," Biden said.
Regarding the nature of the personal letter, which President Biden personally signed, the official explained, "The two leaders met several times in New York and London last month to discuss the IRA."
"President Biden reiterated his understanding of our concerns and clearly mentioned the positive role of Korean companies," he said.
“I think it is important to show confidence and trust in our company,” he added.
The presidential office repeatedly highlighted the fact that close consultations were taking place between the ROK and the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) before and after Yoon's visit, and drew a line in the controversy over 'diplomatic disaster' raised by the opposition.
A high-ranking official said, "Isn't President Biden trying to emphasize the will to cooperate with President Yoon at a time when there are questions about what kind of cooperative relationship our government and the United States will maintain?"
In response to a reporter's question about whether there was any discussion on North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles in the letter, he said, "The 'common goal of the two countries' stated here reflects the close cooperative relationship between the two countries to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. ' he replied.
"I have no intention of saying much about Koo Tae-yeo's letter in a situation where close cooperation is being maintained," he added, adding, "I don't think this is the first letter with such implications since the inauguration of President Yoon."