Washington: South Korea and the United States will engage in multiple discussions next year to implement agreements reached in recent summits between their leaders, as announced by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. Wi made this announcement after visiting Washington earlier this week, where he met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as the U.S. National Security Adviser, and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Wi, who traveled to Canada following his Washington visit, stated that South Korea and the U.S. share a common understanding regarding the implementation of summit agreements. When questioned about prioritizing issues during their talks, Wi emphasized, "We will launch all the discussions at once, regardless of priorities." The discussions will cover topics such as civil uranium enrichment, spent fuel reprocessing, and building nuclear-powered submarines, all set to begin in the new year.

To support these efforts, Wi's office has established separate task forces for nuclear-powered submarines and uranium enrichment to prepare for working-level discussions with the U.S. Wi expressed optimism about the progress between the two nations, noting that the U.S. has described their alliance as "exemplary," and highlighted the desire to build on this momentum to accelerate follow-up efforts.

In a bid to advance South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine manufacturing, the allies have agreed to sign a separate agreement based on Section 91 of the Atomic Energy Act. This section allows the U.S. president to authorize the transfer of nuclear materials for military purposes.

Following two summits in August and October between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump, a joint fact sheet was released outlining their agreements. The U.S. committed to supporting South Korea in its efforts toward civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful purposes. Additionally, it includes U.S. approval and commitment to advancing Seoul's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines.