South Korea is seeking to establish a mutually beneficial strategic partnership with the United States through bilateral trade negotiations, according to Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo ahead of his departure for Washington. Concurrently, South Korea's top national security adviser, Wi Sung-lak, is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C. from July 6 to July 8 to discuss alliance-related issues with U.S. government officials. The visit aims to address key diplomatic and security policies prior to the expiration of the mutual tariff agreement between the two countries.