Seoul: South Korea and the United States are currently revising certain security aspects within their joint fact sheet, detailing the outcomes of their recent summit discussions, as confirmed by a senior presidential official.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the revisions come amidst growing speculation regarding a potential impasse in the coordination between the two nations, with the release of the joint documents delayed for several days. The joint fact sheet is expected to cover South Korea's substantial US$350 billion investment package and critical alliance issues, including Seoul's efforts to secure fuel supplies for nuclear submarines.
"There was a need to make some adjustments to reflect additional points that surfaced from the Gyeongju summit," the official stated, referring to the discussions between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting on October 29. During the talks, President Lee raised the topic of nuclear submarines and their fuel supplies.
The official further explained that the U.S. is undergoing another interagency review of the joint fact sheet, with some departments requesting additional input, contributing to the delay. Although Seoul officials initially indicated that the documents would be released within "two or three" days following the Lee-Trump summit, the timeline remains uncertain.
Regarding the nuclear submarine, the official elaborated that South Korea plans to construct the hull and reactor while sourcing enriched uranium fuel from the U.S. Following the talks with President Lee, President Trump posted on social media that he had authorized South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine at a Philadelphia shipyard operated by South Korea's Hanwha Ocean. The official clarified that the understanding between the leaders is that the construction will occur in South Korea.
In a recent address to lawmakers, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun disclosed that Washington had requested additional time, indicating that the delay is primarily due to extended coordination within relevant U.S. government agencies.