Seoul: South Korea will continue to engage the United States in discussions over the latter's new tariff schemes, Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo said Friday, stressing that any progress in those talks will provide a basis for the country's incoming administration to build on.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cheong's remarks come one day after former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok resigned, making Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Lee Ju-ho the new acting president of South Korea. The trade minister emphasized the importance of maintaining a calm and strategic approach in trade consultations with the U.S., prioritizing the national interest.

"The government will calmly engage in trade consultations with the U.S., placing the national interest as the top priority, and will do its best to ensure a seamless transition of the progress to the next administration," Cheong stated during an emergency meeting focused on evaluating South Korea's response to trade issues.

Cheong further mentioned preparations for the upcoming meeting of APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade, set to commence on May 15. He assured that South Korea would continue to manage trade affairs in a stable and consistent manner. APEC refers to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.