South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo said on Monday that upcoming trade talks with the United States are expected to be the start of meaningful cooperation, though the negotiations may prove difficult.

As stated by Reuters, South Korean Finance and Industry Ministers are scheduled to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington on April 24.

Han emphasized that the government would make an “all-out effort” to secure a mutually beneficial agreement, stressing the importance of calmly and seriously consulting with the U.S. while prioritizing national interests, Reuters reported.

The meeting comes at a critical time for Seoul as it seeks to strengthen economic ties with Washington while safeguarding its own industries amid growing global trade tensions.