Washington: South Korea and the United States are set to engage in multiple simultaneous discussions next year to implement agreements made during their leaders' summits, as stated by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac on Saturday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Wi Sung-lac met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright during his recent visit to Washington. Following these meetings, Wi confirmed that both nations share a unified approach toward executing the summit agreements. He emphasized that discussions will begin concurrently, without prioritizing certain issues over others.
Wi detailed that the discussions will encompass civil uranium enrichment, spent fuel reprocessing, and the development of nuclear-powered submarines. To prepare for these talks, Wi's office has established task forces dedicated to nuclear-powered submarines and uranium enrichment.
Wi expressed optimism about the progress between South Korea and the U.S., noting that the alliance is considered exemplary by the U.S. Both countries aim to capitalize on this momentum to advance their collaborative efforts. A separate agreement under Section 91 of the Atomic Energy Act is anticipated to facilitate South Korea's manufacturing of nuclear-powered submarines, allowing the transfer of nuclear materials for military purposes.
The agreements, following the August and October summits between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump, were summarized in a joint fact sheet. The U.S. has pledged to support South Korea's endeavors in civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful purposes, alongside approving and assisting Seoul's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines.
Meanwhile, the South Korean presidential office announced that Wi will visit Japan on his return journey. In Japan, Wi is expected to meet with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi to explore enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation involving the U.S., and to discuss the agenda for the upcoming Korea-Japan summit scheduled for next month in Japan.