FM Cho highlights Korea's push for nuclear-powered subs to boost deterrence, US alliance
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, third from right, speaks during a Cabinet meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun highlighted Monday that Korea's push to acquire nuclear-powered submarines will contribute to the alliance with the United States by boosting its deterrence capabilities.
Cho made the remark during a breakfast meeting with Elbridge Colby, U.S. under secretary of war for policy, who is visiting Seoul this week, following the Pentagon's release of a new National Defense Strategy that includes its policy direction for the Korean Peninsula and other alliance issues.
"Minister Cho, in particular, recalled that nuclear-powered submarine cooperation will contribute to the alliance (with the U.S.) by strengthening Korea's deterrence capabilities, calling for the need for concrete implementation steps through working-level talks," the ministry said in a readout.
Colby expressed appreciation for Korea's commitment, as a model ally, to playing a leading role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula by strengthening its own defense capabilities, the ministry said.
The Department of War will play an active role in ensuring that key agreements reached at the summit talks are swiftly implemented, he was quoted as saying by the ministry.
Building on the recent leaders' summits, which set the alliance on a path toward mutually beneficial and future-oriented development, Cho called on the two sides to continue close communication and cooperation between their diplomatic and defense authorities so as to deliver tangible outcomes at an early date.
The two sides also noted that they have maintained close coordination on the Korean Peninsula issues since the beginning of both administrations. In that respect, they agreed to continue working together for peace and stability in the region, while maintaining a robust Korea-U.S. combined defense posture, the ministry said.