Washington: National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, engaging in discussions aimed at addressing follow-up measures to the summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump held in late October. The meeting focused on South Korea's aspirations to develop nuclear-powered submarines and enhance its uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing capabilities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Wi's visit to Washington came shortly after the release of a joint fact sheet by the allies, which outlined trade and security agreements from the second Lee-Trump summit during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Upon his arrival, Wi emphasized the need to explore a bilateral agreement similar to the one between the U.S. and Australia, which allowed Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

Wi acknowledged that South Korea is currently restricted from using nuclear material for military purposes under an existing bilateral civil nuclear energy cooperation pact. He expressed the intention to expedite consultations on establishing a separate bilateral agreement to support Seoul's nuclear-powered submarine ambitions.

Additionally, Wi addressed the necessity for follow-up measures concerning uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing capabilities, highlighting that existing agreements were made in broader terms. He also indicated plans to discuss accelerating inter-Korean dialogue and possibly meet with United Nations officials during his visit.

Wi emphasized the importance of South Korea-U.S. coordination in handling North Korean relations, amid a favorable atmosphere in the alliance. He refuted the notion that North Korea issues have been deprioritized by the U.S., stating that while South Korea has focused on stabilizing regional relations, improvements in inter-Korean ties are anticipated.

Wi is scheduled to meet with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Thursday before departing for home via New York.