Deputy Minister of Defense Lee Doo-hee met with U.S. lawmakers in Washington, D.C., on June 24 to request support for key security issues, including the transfer of wartime operational control and the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, according to the Ministry of Defense.
During his meetings with Representatives Ryan Zinke and Pat Harrigan, both Republicans, Lee expressed gratitude for the U.S. Congress's role as a pillar of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and urged bipartisan interest and cooperation to further strengthen the alliance.
Lee specifically requested ongoing congressional support for easing legal restrictions on the expansion of South Korea-U.S. cooperation in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and for securing low-enriched uranium for nuclear-powered submarines.
He also explained the progress and significance of the transfer of wartime operational control and sought congressional backing for this transition.
In a separate meeting with Emil Michael, the U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Lee discussed ways to enhance defense and defense industry cooperation.
Both sides agreed to establish a director-level defense science and technology consultative body to discuss the development of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and drones, and to form a working-level consultative body to create common standards and certification systems for drones between South Korea and the U.S.
Additionally, they committed to strengthening partnerships in advanced defense science and technology, including information sharing in the testing and evaluation of weapon systems that utilize cutting-edge technologies, and accelerating cooperation across security and industrial sectors, including supply chain stabilization.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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