South Korea-US discusses development of nuclear-powered submarines

JAKARTA - South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Monday met with US Deputy Defense Secretary for Policy Elbridge Colby to discuss Seoul's efforts to build nuclear-powered submarines and other pending security issues.

Ahn referred to a joint fact sheet released by the two countries last year at a summit of leaders, as well as a recent Security Consultative Meeting, saying the alliance had reached a "historic turning point" and called for tangible results in defense cooperation this year, according to his ministry.

As reported by ANTARA from Yonhap, Colby promised to continue efforts to strengthen defense cooperation with South Korea, calling the country an exemplary US ally.

Both sides agreed that cooperation in Seoul's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines would enhance its ability to defend the Korean Peninsula and serve as an important milestone in raising their alliance to a higher level.

Their discussions were also reported to have included the new National Defense Strategy released by the Pentagon last week.

The document places Seoul at the forefront of efforts to deter North Korea, with US support remaining important but more limited.

This shows South Korea's growing role in facing conventional weapons threats, with US deterrence support against other nuclear and strategic threats.

Ahn was also reported to have underlined the importance of Seoul taking back operational control of its wartime forces to realize a South Korean-led defense of the Korean Peninsula, calling for efforts to increase cooperation to achieve this.

Separately, Colby also met with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac to discuss pending issues related to the bilateral alliance.