Seoul: Strategic cooperation between South Korea and the United States, particularly in nuclear energy and cutting-edge technologies, will bring greater benefits to both countries and make their alliance more capable and future-oriented, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has said. Cho made the remarks in a speech at a reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation, especially in nuclear energy and advanced technologies, as key to benefiting both nations. "Our strategic cooperation, especially in areas such as nuclear energy and cutting-edge technologies, will bring even greater benefits to both our peoples," Cho stated, referencing a script of his speech released by his ministry.
Cho also pointed out the evolution of the South Korea-U.S. partnership following an agreement between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump last year. He remarked, "If the ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953 marked the birth of our alliance, the joint fact sheet last year is the beacon for its future." The joint fact sheet, released in November, outlined agreements on security, trade, and investment, paving the way for discussions on expanding Seoul's strategic capabilities, including nuclear-powered submarines and civil uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing.
Highlighting economic aspects, Cho stated that South Korea's investments and economic cooperation with the U.S. would help "create jobs, drive innovation and underpin growth in a fast-changing world." He also underscored the shared values of freedom and democracy that form the foundation of the alliance, drawing on historical references to the late U.S. President George Washington's vision of liberty as a "sacred fire."
In a nod to recent political history, Cho referred to the political upheaval following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in December 2024 and his subsequent removal from office by the Constitutional Court in April 2025. He noted that Koreans have consistently defended their democratic values over the decades.
Cho concluded his speech by honoring U.S. troops who fought in the Korean War, acknowledging their role in helping South Korea become a resilient and prosperous democracy. "Korea will remain America's most reliable and capable partner as we shape the future together," he affirmed.