Seoul: The presidential office announced the formation of task force teams to support South Korea's working-level negotiations with the United States on key issues including nuclear-powered submarines, uranium enrichment, and defense cost-sharing.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Hyun-jong stated that the Office of National Security is developing a road map for implementing the security agreements reached during recent summit meetings between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. Kim emphasized the ongoing working-level discussions and anticipated tangible outcomes by the first half of next year.

The consultations will be spearheaded by relevant ministries, with the presidential task forces providing necessary support. This initiative is part of efforts to modernize the alliance between Seoul and Washington, focusing on enhancing South Korea's defense capabilities and addressing regional threats, including those from China.

President Trump, following his meeting with Lee during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, approved Seoul's plan to construct nuclear-powered submarines. This approval necessitates further negotiations regarding shipyard and fuel arrangements. Additionally, the two nations are in discussions to expand South Korea's rights to enrich uranium and reprocess spent nuclear fuel, which are currently limited by a bilateral agreement.

In a press conference earlier this week, President Lee revealed that Trump proposed a 5:5 partnership to support South Korea's goal of domestic uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel reprocessing. Furthermore, South Korea's commitment to increase its defense spending to 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product was formalized in a joint fact sheet following trade and security agreements with the United States.