Lee discusses economic cooperation with governor of Virginia

SEOUL, May 16 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak met with the governor of the U.S. state of Virginia on Monday and discussed ways to boost economic cooperation, especially in the information technology area, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said.
Gov. Bob McDonnell arrived in Seoul on Sunday, leading an economic delegation that included Commerce and Trade Secretary Jim Cheng and Agriculture Secretary Todd Haymore. Assistant Commerce Secretary Jimmy Rhee, who is a son of the well-known taekwondo grand master Jhoon Rhee, was also in the group.
South Korea was part of a regional tour that included stops in Japan and China.
President Lee told the delegation that Virginia, nicknamed "the Silicon Valley of the east," has great potential for cooperation with South Korea in the IT area, and that a free trade agreement between Seoul and Washington will take effect at an early date so as to contribute to trade between South Korea and the U.S. state.
McDonnell reaffirmed his support for the trade agreement, saying he would make necessary efforts to help the deal win approval from Congress, Cheong Wa Dae said in a release.
Earlier this month, McDonnell sent letters to Rep. Eric Cantor and Sen. Mark Warner, who represent his state in the House of Representatives and the Senate, urging them to ratify the agreement at an early date.
Lee also asked the governor to support Korean residents in his state as they play their part in improving the state economy and relations between the two countries. McDonnell said he would consider the trip to South Korea as an opportunity to improve his understanding of South Korea and its people, the statement said.
jschang@yna.co.kr