Defense chief discusses alliance issues with US lawmakers

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 defense ministry 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 area 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 that has become one of the most successful alliances in the world, the ministry said. Attending the meeting were four U.S. Senate lawmakers, comprising Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jacklyn Rosen (D-NV), Thomas Tillis (R-NC) and John Curtis (R-UT).

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