Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung says South Korea successfully kept the further liberalization of its agricultural and livestock markets off the table in its latest trade negotiations with the United States.

Song told reporters Wednesday at the government complex in Sejong City that the two sides had reached an acceptable agreement on nontariff barriers, the core of which is enhanced cooperation and communication.

She added that to this end, the ministry will set up a "U.S. desk."

Song said the envisioned post would not entail specific consultations or dedicated staff but would instead serve as a point of contact between Seoul and Washington during official discussions. 

The minister said such details will be included in a joint fact sheet, which the government plans to announce this week, detailing the outcome of recent trade and security negotiations between South Korea and the United States.