Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Friday engaged in discussions with acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, Kevin Kim, focusing on strategies to enhance the Seoul-Washington alliance. This dialogue follows recent summit talks between the leaders of South Korea and the United States, as reported by the South's defense ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn extended his congratulations to Kim on his new role and emphasized the need for robust cooperation in evolving their alliance into a forward-looking and comprehensive strategic partnership. This initiative aligns with the discussions held during the October summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, with a joint fact sheet detailing their conversation released earlier this month.

Additionally, Ahn had conducted annual security talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Seoul earlier this month, further solidifying defense relations. In response, Kim reiterated the U.S.'s unwavering commitment to South Korea's defense and assured that the embassy would exert its utmost efforts to maintain and advance the steadfast alliance.

Ahn highlighted Seoul's continued endeavors to achieve sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula while upholding a strong combined defense posture. Kim agreed on the significance of their cooperation concerning North Korean policy. Both parties consented to enhance collaboration in areas such as maintenance, repair, operations, and shipbuilding, aiming to address policy issues in a mutually beneficial and future-oriented manner.

This meeting occurs as the allies strive to modernize their alliance amidst a transforming security environment. This includes the U.S. advocating for its allies to assume more defense responsibilities and play a greater role in addressing challenges posed by an assertive China. Kim, who previously served as a State Department deputy assistant secretary, was officially appointed as acting ambassador last month.