U.S. media have positively assessed U.S. Congressional approval of a free trade agreement between South Korea and the U.S.

The Washington Post on Thursday reported that the trade deal with South Korea is hailed as the most consequential pact since the North American Free Trade Agreement was ratified in 1994, adding the deal is aimed to break down barriers between the U.S. and the world’s 15th largest economy.

The New York Times called the passage a victory for President Barack Obama, saying that the deal is the first trade pact to pass the U.S. Congress since 2007.

The Los Angeles Times said that the approval of the pacts is a big victory for Obama, but it has angered liberal groups and labor unions.

The Associated Press (AP) quoted Victor Cha, former Director for Asian Affairs in the White House’ National Security Council, as saying that the KORUS FTA will further enhance bilateral alliance.