Britain to launch South Korea trade talks during Yoon’s state visit

Britain and South Korea will launch negotiations on a new free trade agreement (FTA) and sign a new diplomatic accord during a state visit by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol this week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office said on Monday.

Yoon’s visit officially starts on Tuesday with a welcome from King Charles, where he will receive a guard of honor and take part in a procession towards Buckingham Palace, marking the first state visit hosted by Britain since Charles’ coronation.

Yoon, a conservative who has cited a “polycrisis” of global challenges as a reason for seeking closer ties with like-minded partners, will address lawmakers from both houses of parliament on Tuesday, before talks with Sunak the next day and the signing of the new accord.

“Through our new Downing Street Accord, we will drive investment, boost trade and build a friendship that not only supports global stability, but protects our interests and lasts the test of time,” Sunak said in a statement, which added that talks on a new FTA would also start on Wednesday.

“I know a Free Trade Agreement fit for the future will only drive further investment, delivering on my promise to grow the economy and support highly skilled jobs.”

The Downing Street accord will see the countries agree to work closely on areas such as semiconductors, which South Korea is a major producer of, and artificial intelligence.

The talks on a new trade deal will aim to replace the carry-over trade deal from when Britain left the European Union, which was based on replicating a deal with the EU from 2011 and reduced tariffs in a range of areas.

Britain said it hoped a new trade deal would pave the way for increased digital trade and streamline currently complex procedures, and have a new rules of origin chapter.

Under Yoon, South Korea has focused on strengthening economic, political, and military ties with the United States, a major ally, while seeking to maintain its trade with China and working to overcome historical disputes with long-time rival and fellow US ally Japan.

Britain is building its own ties in the Indo-Pacific as part of a tilt in its diplomatic strategy towards the region, and earlier this year completed talks to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.