Defense chief discusses shipbuilding cooperation with US senator

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul on Thursday met with a U.S. senator for discussions on shipbuilding cooperation between Korea and the United States, the ministry said.

Kang met with Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) in Seoul, where he underscored the Korea-U.S. alliance as the "linchpin" for maintaining peace and security in the region, and urged the U.S. Congress to continue its role as a "steadfast supporter" of the alliance, according to the ministry.

Kang thanked the U.S. senator for his continued interest and support in shipbuilding cooperation between the countries, and expressed hope that Seoul and Washington would further develop their cooperation in a practical manner.

According to the ministry, Kang and McCormick also shared the view that the bilateral alliance should go beyond security cooperation and evolve into a strategic partnership for technological innovation and the defense industry.

The meeting came a day after McCormick visited Hanwha Ocean's shipyard in the southeastern city of Geoje, where he inspected the defense contractor's shipbuilding infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities.