Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-youn and Heritage Foundation Chairman Edwin J. Feulner, a close aide to President Donald Trump, discussed Korea-US economic relations and other pending issues including the controversy over the possible renegotiation of the free trade agreement between the two countries in central Seoul Tuesday afternoon, the company said Wednesday.

“Kim and Feulner exchanged views on a broad range of topics such as economic relations between Korea and the U.S., the frosty geopolitical situation in Northeast Asian surrounding the Korean Peninsula and the Korean presidential election held on the same day,” Hanwha Group said in a statement.

“I hope you will help us in further developing Korea-US relations in the midst of an unstable political climate in Northeast Asia,” Kim was quoted as saying to Feulner during the meeting.

Feulner was quoted as saying that President Trump thinks highly of the bilateral ties and is working hard to upgrade them as he sent his national security adviser and Vice President to Korea upon their appointment.

The two also shared views on the policy direction toward cementing the bilateral ties following the launch of new administrations in each country and ways for Hanwha to expand its presence in the U.S. market.

The Washington, D.C.-based conservative think tank has played a key role to shaping American policies on politics, economy, foreign affairs and national security.

Feulner joined the foundation in 1973 and led the think tank from 1977 to 2013.

He is also known as ‘policy mentor’ to Trump, having served on the U.S. president`s transition team.

His influence on state affairs under the Trump administration is likely to increase as he recently resumed his chairmanship at the foundation.

Kim has maintained a close relationship with Feulner for more than 30 years as part of efforts to strengthen non-governmental diplomacy. In recognition of Kim’s efforts, the foundation named its second floor conference center at the Heritage Building in D.C. the Kim Seung Youn Conference Center in 2011.

By Kim Jung-hwan

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