Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced on Wednesday that his ministry is committed to fostering consultations with the United States to establish the necessary conditions for developing nuclear-powered submarines. This effort is part of a broader strategy to secure rights for uranium enrichment and the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during a policy briefing to President Lee Jae Myung, Cho emphasized that the foreign ministry aims to pursue a foreign policy grounded in a "virtuous cycle" of self-reliance, alliance, and solidarity in the latter half of the year. He highlighted the ministry's intention to advance consultations to create an environment conducive to building nuclear-powered submarines and pursuing uranium enrichment and reprocessing.

The foreign ministry plans to bolster the South Korea-U.S. alliance in strategic sectors, including shipbuilding, while maintaining close coordination with Washington on economic and trade issues. Addressing relations with North Korea, Cho stated that the ministry will seek opportunities to pave the way for peaceful coexistence with the North, in collaboration with multilateral organizations like the United Nations.

Furthermore, Cho conveyed that efforts will continue with Washington to rekindle dialogue with Pyongyang and to restart denuclearization talks through a phased approach, beginning with a halt to North Korea's nuclear programs. He also noted the ministry's plans to enhance diplomatic relations with the Group of Seven, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, while expanding diplomatic channels through upcoming summits with Central Asian nations.