U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is urging the U.S. Congress to swiftly ratify a free trade agreement with South Korea.

In a statement made Thursday, the representative called for the swift ratification of pending trade deals, noting President Barack Obama's comment during his State of the Union address that Washington will enhance relations with South Korea and Panama.

Ros-Lehtinen stressed that the passage of free trade agreements is essential to creating jobs, boosting exports and developing the economy of the U.S.