Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Thursday held talks with a delegation of U.S. Senate lawmakers visiting South Korea and discussed ways to improve the Seoul-Washington alliance, the defense ministry said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn requested bipartisan congressional support for the alliance to advance in a future-oriented and mutually beneficial manner, mentioning South Korea's bid to build a nuclear-powered submarine. Ahn also highlighted the importance of cooperation in shipbuilding and maintenance, repair, and operations, which can play a crucial role in the U.S. efforts to revive its shipbuilding industry and enhance maritime strength.

The U.S. delegation responded by pledging bipartisan support for the 70-year alliance, recognizing it as one of the most successful alliances globally. The meeting was attended by four U.S. Senate lawmakers: Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jacklyn Rosen (D-NV), Thomas Tillis (R-NC), and John Curtis (R-UT).

Later that Thursday, Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee held separate talks with a delegation of U.S. House lawmakers, who are members of the bipartisan Congressional Study Group on Korea. The meeting included six lawmakers: Reps. Ami Bera (D-CA), Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Pat Harrigan (R-NC).

During the discussions, Lee briefed the delegation on Seoul's efforts to achieve the handover of wartime operational control from Washington. He expressed hope that this move will strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance and their combined defense posture. South Korea aims to achieve the "conditions-based" handover of wartime command from the U.S. within President Lee Jae Myung's five-year term ending in 2030.

The U.S. delegation noted that their visit has enhanced their understanding of Seoul's defense policy and vowed to work towards bolstering the alliance between Seoul and Washington, as reported by the ministry.