Washington: South Korea will engage in discussions with the United States to advance the commitments made during their recent summit, focusing on establishing a channel to implement the agreements outlined in the fact sheet, a senior diplomat announced on Sunday. First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo made this statement upon his arrival in Washington for talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. This will be the first high-level dialogue following the release of the joint fact sheet on trade and security issues.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the fact sheet includes U.S. support for South Korea's civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful purposes, in line with their existing bilateral nuclear energy pact and subject to U.S. legal requirements. A primary concern for South Korea is how to proceed with implementing the U.S. commitment regarding uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing.

"We plan to discuss the various issues addressed in the fact sheet (with the U.S.) and discuss how to make progress on them," Park stated upon arriving at Dulles International Airport. When asked if creating a dialogue channel to implement the fact sheet would be part of the agenda, Park confirmed, "We will discuss (them), including that."

Park emphasized the necessity for both countries to establish specific bodies or organizations to carry out the commitments. "Taking the U.S.' circumstances into account, we will identify and establish necessary consultative channels," he said. When questioned about whether Seoul's bid for nuclear-powered submarines will also be discussed, Park indicated the need to "broadly check all the matters stated in the fact sheet and pave the way for progress."

Park and Landau are set to hold bilateral talks on Monday. Under the 123 Agreement on nuclear energy cooperation, South Korea has limited authority to reprocess spent fuel or enrich uranium for civil purposes, requiring U.S. consent through bilateral consultations under relevant treaties, laws, and regulations governing both countries. With U.S. support, South Korea has made significant progress in its pursuit of uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing capabilities. However, implementing the agreement is expected to involve lengthy and challenging negotiations.