The presidential office has welcomed Washington's decision to exclude South Korea from steel tariffs, as well as the two governments' agreement on revising the South Korea-U.S. bilateral free trade deal.

Presidential press secretary Yoon Young-chan conveyed the remarks in a briefing on Monday, paying tribute to negotiators from both countries for engaging in "win-win" discussions during the past four weeks in Washington.

Yoon noted that South Korea was the first of 12 nations to receive an exemption from a 25 percent tariff on steel products.

He added that the foundation of bilateral cooperation had been solidified by swiftly resolving trade uncertainties, especially at a time when the two governments must work closely together ahead of their scheduled summits with North Korea.