Defense minister discusses alliance issues with U.S. lawmakers

Home > National > Defense

Published: 02 Apr. 2026, 15:10

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, third from left, poses for a group photo with a delegation of U.S. Senate lawmakers visiting Korea and James Heller, right, the charge d'affairs ad interim, at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul on April 2. [MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE]

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Thursday held talks with a delegation of U.S. Senate lawmakers visiting Korea and discussed ways to improve the Seoul-Washington alliance, the Ministry of National Defense said.

In the meeting, Ahn requested bipartisan congressional support for the alliance to advance in a future-oriented and mutually beneficial manner, mentioning Korea's bid to build a nuclear-powered submarine, according to the ministry.

Ahn also emphasized how mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of shipbuilding and maintenance, repair and operations can serve as a vital factor in the U.S. push to revive its shipbuilding industry and bolster maritime strength.

In response, the U.S. delegation pledged bipartisan support for the 70-year alliance, which has become one of the most successful alliances in the world, the ministry said.

Attending the meeting were four U.S. Senate lawmakers: Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Democrat Jacklyn Rosen of Nevada, Republican Thomas Tillis of North Carolina and Republican John Curtis of Utah.

Yonhap