A high-level delegation sent by President-elect Park began a three-day trip in Washington to reinforce bilateral ties between Korea and the U.S., and discuss the North Korean nuclear test.

Our Lee Ji-yoon tells us more. President-elect Park Geun-hye has said repeatedly that one of her priorities after taking office in February will be to maintain a strong relationship with the United States.

As a reflection of that goal, she sent a delegation to Washington that arrived Wednesday for a three-day visit.

Saenuri Party floor leader Lee Hahn-koo, who is leading the delegation, briefed reporters about the delegation's mission.



"The Korea-U.S. alliance is important, so we will try our best to convey Park's desire to strengthen bilateral relations in politics, diplomacy, the economy and the military."


With tensions rising over a possible North Korean nuclear test, the delegation will meet with Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and other officials to discuss the current security situation.


"Right now, there are concerns about North Korea's plan to carry out a third nuclear test, so we'll talk about that, in addition to discussing ways to revive the global economy."


The delegation is expected to talk about the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement and the president-elect's plan to visit Washington for a summit with U.S. President Barack Obama that could come as early as April.

The delegation's three-day visit will also include a meeting with World Bank president Jim Yong Kim, and a visit to the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

Lee Ji-yoon, Arirang News.

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