South Korean and US officials meet on nuclear cooperation.

South Korea is pushing for expanded uranium enrichment and reprocessing capabilities with the United States. A specific accord is needed to facilitate nuclear-powered submarine fuel production.

Seoul announced that initial discussions were conducted between South Korea and the United States regarding nuclear collaboration, building upon a previously established agreement on mutual defense signed by US President Donald Trump and South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung in the previous year.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, high-level discussions took place between officials from South Korea and the US regarding cooperation on nuclear matters. The agenda included a key aspect: Seoul's pursuit of enhanced uranium enrichment capabilities and spent-fuel reprocessing rights to facilitate its submarine program.

Leading the South Korean delegation was First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo, accompanied by a team of officials from Seoul. Meanwhile, Allison Hooker, the US State Department's under secretary for political affairs, headed the American side.

At the briefing, Ministry Spokesperson Park Il revealed that the meeting's agenda covered two key areas: nuclear-powered submarine capabilities and the expansion of enrichment and reprocessing rights.

South Korean officials emphasized that any talks about enrichment and reprocessing are strictly related to updating the current nuclear pact.

In fact, nuclear-powered subs necessitate a distinct pathway due to their inherent connection with military applications of nuclear technology.

A new pact is required under U.S. energy regulations due to the connection between nuclear subs and military applications of nuclear power.

South Korean and US officials are committed to achieving tangible outcomes in their cooperation efforts without delay, with regular assessments scheduled throughout the upcoming year.

A joint fact sheet released by the U.S.-South Korea partnership in November stated that Washington would facilitate a pathway allowing South Korea to enrich uranium and reprocess spent fuel for non-military purposes.

South Korea's nuclear-powered attack submarine project has received approval from the United States, which will collaborate on key aspects, such as fuel procurement.

Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back revealed that South Korea plans to construct its inaugural nuclear-powered submarine within a timeframe of the mid-2030s.

South Korea's nuclear capabilities are constrained by a bilateral pact, which prohibits the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel and uranium enrichment for military objectives despite its existing reactor infrastructure.

South Korea Minister Ahn Gyu-back revealed that South Korea plans to construct its inaugural nuclear-powered submarine within a timeframe of the mid-2030s.