Seoul: South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby held discussions on Monday addressing key security issues, notably Seoul's initiative to regain wartime operational control of its troops from Washington.
According to Kuwait News Agency, during their meeting in Seoul, Ahn referenced the joint fact sheet released by both countries last year after their leaders' summit and their recent Security Consultative Meeting. He highlighted that their alliance has reached a "historic turning point" and emphasized the need for tangible results in defense cooperation this year.
Colby committed to continuing efforts to enhance defense cooperation with South Korea and referred to the nation as a model ally of the US. Both parties agreed that collaboration on Seoul's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines would enhance its defense capabilities and elevate their alliance to a higher level.
Ahn stressed the significance of Seoul reclaiming wartime operational control of its troops to enable a South Korea-led defense of the Korean Peninsula, urging for increased cooperation to achieve this objective.
Their discussions also covered the new National Defense Strategy released by the Pentagon last week. The document described Seoul as capable of assuming "primary" responsibility to deter North Korea with "critical but more limited" US support.