Defense chief discusses shipbuilding cooperation with U.S. senator

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul held talks on shipbuilding cooperation with U.S. Senator Dave McCormick on Thursday, according to South Korea's defense ministry. The meeting took place in Seoul, with Kang emphasizing the strategic importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance in maintaining regional peace and security. He urged the U.S. Congress to remain a steadfast supporter of the alliance, according to the ministry.

Kang expressed gratitude to Senator McCormick for his ongoing interest and support in shipbuilding cooperation between the two nations. He expressed hope that Seoul and Washington would deepen their cooperation in practical ways. The defense minister and the senator also shared the belief that the bilateral alliance should expand beyond security cooperation and develop into a strategic partnership focused on technological innovation and the defense industry, as per the ministry.

This meeting occurred a day after Senator McCormick visited Hanwha Ocean Co.'s shipyard in Geoje, South Korea. During his visit, he inspected the shipbuilding infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities of the defense contractor.