South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has addressed a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, highlighting the two country's strong economic and defense ties.

During his speech to lawmakers Thursday, Mr. Lee thanked Congress for passing a major trade agreement with South Korea,

Earlier, Mr. Lee and President Obama hailed the U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement, saying it will support jobs and increase trade between the two allies. The deal was passed by Congress on Wednesday in a rare display of bipartisanship by the often-divided political parties. It is expected to be worth billions of dollars to both countries' economies.

Mr. Lee received a standing ovation from Congress when he thanked U.S. servicemen for helping to protect South Korea in the past and present. The North Korean nuclear dispute has been at the center of talks between the two leaders since Mr. Lee's visit began Wednesday. Both presidents agreed that they remain united in their approach to Communist North Korea.

Mr. Lee is the guest of honor at a White House state dinner Thursday evening. Friday, he will accompany President Obama on a visit to a General Motors car plant in Detroit. Mr. Obama has said he would like to see Koreans driving U.S.-built cars the way many Americans drive Korean cars.