South Korean president to visit White House in June

South Korean President Park Geun-hye will meet with President Obama next month during a visit to Washington, the White House said on Tuesday.

The June 16 visit will come as part of Park’s second trip to Washington since taking office in 2013. It’s sure to focus on the continuing threat from North Korea as well as regional economic issues.

{mosads}“President Obama and President Park will exchange views on a broad range of security, economic, and global issues, including the U.S.-[Republic of Korea] alliance and the critical role it plays in assuring regional stability and security,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said in a statement. “They will discuss the current security situation on the Korean Peninsula in the face of the continued threat from North Korea.”

Cooperation on cybersecurity, health and environmental issues are also likely to come up in the two leaders’ talks, Earnest added.

Both the U.S. and South Korea have been the target of cyberattacks from the surprisingly sophisticated North Korean cyber army. South Korean banks and TV stations suffered a notable hack traced to North Korea in 2013, and the White House blamed Pyongyang for last year’s massive breach at Sony Pictures.  

Obama will likely also use the visit as an opportunity to promote his trade agenda.  

South Korea formally asked to join the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership deal in April, and finalizing a bilateral deal between the U.S. and Korea was one of the triumphs of Obama’s first term. The meeting comes as Obama is pressuring lawmakers in the House to approve “fast-track” trade promotion authority for him.

In May, Secretary of State John Kerry wrapped up a two-day visit to South Korea meant to prepare for the June trip.