Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back held talks Monday with U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby to discuss Seoul's push to build nuclear-powered submarines, regain wartime operational control of its troops from Washington, and other pending security issues.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn referred to the joint fact sheet released last year following their leaders' summit, as well as their recent Security Consultative Meeting. He stated that the alliance between the two countries has reached a "historic turning point" and called for tangible results in defense cooperation this year.

Colby pledged to continue efforts to strengthen defense cooperation with South Korea, referring to the country as a model ally of the U.S. Both sides agreed that cooperation on Seoul's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines would bolster its capabilities to defend the Korean Peninsula and serve as a key landmark in elevating their alliance.

Their discussion also reportedly included the new National Defense Strategy released by the Pentagon last week. The key document described Seoul as capable of taking "primary" responsibility to deter North Korea with "critical but more limited" U.S. support, signaling a bigger role for South Korea in deterring threats from North Korea's conventional weapons.

Ahn also emphasized the importance of Seoul retaking wartime operational control of its troops to realize a South Korea-led defense of the Korean Peninsula, calling for efforts to step up cooperation to achieve this.

Separately, Colby met with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac to discuss pending issues regarding the bilateral alliance. Later, Colby visited Camp Humphreys, a key U.S. base in Pyeongtaek, before departing for Japan on Tuesday.

U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson shared photos of the visit on X, formerly Twitter. "Great discussion on defense strategy and integrated deterrence as we continue to advance the ROK-U.S. Alliance. Katchi Kapshida -- We Go Together," he wrote. ROK is short for the Republic of Korea, South Korea's official name.