Seoul: South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed Monday that his country is seeking to acquire nuclear-powered submarines as a step that would strengthen deterrence on the Korean Peninsula and reinforce the Korea-US alliance. This development was discussed during a meeting with US Under Secretary of War for Policy, Elbridge Colby, who is visiting Seoul.

According to Qatar News Agency, Seoul's Foreign Ministry stated that Minister Cho emphasized that cooperation on nuclear-powered submarines would enhance South Korea's deterrence capabilities and contribute to the alliance. He also called for concrete follow-up steps through working-level consultations between the two sides.

Colby, in response, expressed Washington's appreciation for South Korea's commitment to playing a more proactive role in defending the peninsula by strengthening its own defense capabilities. He reaffirmed that the US Department of War would actively support the swift implementation of key agreements reached by the two leaders.