Seoul:Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul met with U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel to discuss crucial alliance matters, including the wartime operational control (OPCON) transition and the relocation of a shared regional air base, the defense ministry reported.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang's meeting with Steel came shortly after his swearing-in and addressed major security issues shared by Washington and Seoul. The OPCON transition from the United States was a key topic of discussion.

The ministry stated that both sides agreed to maintain close communication to enhance their bilateral alliance in a future-oriented and mutually beneficial way. South Korea aims to regain OPCON from the U.S. before the end of President Lee Jae Myung's term in 2030, possibly as soon as next year. However, there are rising concerns about differing views on the transfer timeline, with the U.S. cautious about a hasty transition.

The South Korean government is also working to move Gwangju Air Base to a nearby area to facilitate the development of a significant semiconductor cluster in the Honam region. The base, which hosts South Korea's 1st Fighter Wing, is a shared facility with the U.S. Air Force for emergency deployments.

During the discussions, Kang emphasized the importance of strengthening the alliance through collaborative efforts, highlighting its evolution into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Steel confirmed the commitment to bolstering the alliance amid an unpredictable security environment.

Kang urged the ambassador to serve as a "bridge of trust and cooperation" between the U.S. and South Korea, contributing to the alliance's ongoing development, as noted by the ministry.