South Korea and the United States remain far apart on key trade issues despite some progress in recent negotiations, a senior presidential aide said Friday.

Presidential chief of staff for policy Kim Yong-beom made the remarks upon arriving at Incheon International Airport early Friday after a trip to the U.S.

He said little time remains for additional in-person talks, with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit fast approaching.

Kim noted that negotiations can sometimes move quickly in their final stages and pledged to do his utmost until the very end.

The policy chief added that while some expect the negotiations to wrap up around the upcoming APEC summit, there is still a long way to go.

Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, who also took part in the U.S. visit, said several key sticking points remain and described the talks as being at “a very critical juncture.”