President Barack Obama says he is committed to resolving issues that have stalled a free trade agreement between the United States and South Korea.

Obama said Thursday in Seoul that expanding trade ties would have economic and strategic benefits for both countries. He said Congress must recognize that U.S. trade with South Korea doesn't have the same imbalances as with other Asian nations.

A trade agreement was signed in 2007 by the two governments under previous leaders, but has not been ratified by Congress.

Obama spoke at a joint news conference with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak (lee myuhng bahk).