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South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Wednesday pledged to advance talks with the United States on securing the conditions needed to build nuclear-powered submarines and set the stage for a bid to gain rights to enrich uranium and reprocess spent nuclear fuel. In a policy briefing to President Lee Jae Myung, Cho outlined the foreign ministry's plans for the second half of the year, emphasizing a foreign policy built on a "virtuous cycle" of self-reliance, alliance, and solidarity.

Coverage Comparison

Yonhap News Agency reported the briefing and Cho's comments, noting his remarks on strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance in strategic areas such as shipbuilding and coordinating closely with Washington on the economy and trade. Yonhap also highlighted Cho's commitment to working with the U.S. to revive dialogue with North Korea and restart denuclearization talks through a phased approach, beginning with a halt to North Korea's nuclear programs. In a subsequent media briefing, Cho indicated that "high-level consultations" between Seoul and Washington on pending security issues, including revising the Korea-U.S. nuclear energy agreement, would take place "soon."

Key Claims

  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun gave a policy briefing to President Lee Jae Myung, outlining the foreign ministry's plans for the second half of the year.
  • The foreign ministry will seek to facilitate consultations with the United States to secure conditions to build nuclear-powered submarines and create an environment for its bid to secure the right to enrich uranium and reprocess spent nuclear fuel.
  • The ministry will work to strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance in strategic areas, such as shipbuilding, while closely coordinating with Washington on the economy and trade.
  • The ministry will seek ways to lay the groundwork for peaceful coexistence with North Korea in collaboration with multilateral organizations, like the United Nations.
  • The ministry will deepen diplomatic ties with the Group of Seven, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and expand diplomatic channels through upcoming summits with Central Asian nations.
  • High-level consultations between Seoul and Washington on pending security issues, including on revising the Korea-U.S. nuclear energy agreement, will take place soon.
  • Seoul's investment commitments in the U.S. and bilateral shipbuilding cooperation are among the key items outlined in a joint fact sheet adopted after last year's summit between President Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump.
  • South Korea's potential contribution to security in the Strait of Hormuz, such as dispatching mine-clearance vessels, has been put on hold amid concerns over the deteriorating situation there.