President Lee Myung-bak on Monday met with U.S. Senator Jim Webb, who chairs a senate subcommittee on the East Asian region, to discuss North Korean issues as well as the bilateral free trade agreement that is pending approval from their respective parliaments.

Lee appreciated Webb’s efforts as chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific Affairs for early ratification of the Korea-U.S. FTA and in dealing with the North’s provocations, Lee’s office said in a press release.

Noting that the bilateral alliance was growing stronger than ever, Lee requested Webb’s continued cooperation in tackling North Korean issues, Cheong Wa Dae said. Webb is a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran and served as Secretary of the Navy under the Ronald Regan administration.

By Kim So-hyun (sophie@heraldcorp.com)