U.S. President Donald Trump expressed affection for South Korea on Friday during a White House press availability, shortly after the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding to boost shipbuilding ties.
Trump made the comments in response to questions about his earlier social media post claiming that Iran had fired on a South Korean-operated cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has denied the allegation.
The MOU forms part of last year's bilateral trade and investment agreement. Under the deal, Seoul has pledged to invest 150 billion dollars in the U.S. shipbuilding sector, contributing to a total commitment of 350 billion dollars with an annual cap of 20 billion dollars.
Trump had previously voiced displeasure over South Korea's reluctance to provide naval support for U.S. efforts to reopen the strait amid the conflict with Iran. Last month he described the country as not helpful despite the presence of U.S. troops near North Korea.
