U.S. President Barack Obama has reaffirmed that a free trade agreement between South Korea and the U.S. would enhance bilateral relations.

Receiving credentials from South Korean Ambassador to U.S. Han Duck-soo, Obama said Wednesday said that the bilateral trade pact would promote progress for the people of both countries.

The U.S. president also said that the alliance of the two nations has played an important role in maintaining peace and security in Asia and that he looks forward to working together with President Lee Myung-bak to improve bilateral relations as part of a comprehensive and global partnership.