(MENAFN) US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Tuesday that the United States will collaborate closely with South Korea on nuclear submarines, emphasizing that ties with Seoul are "vital."

Speaking at a joint news conference with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back following the annual Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in Seoul, Hegseth mentioned that both nations have agreed to enhance defense cooperation, modernize their alliance, and broaden joint industrial projects.

"We're going to work closely with the Department of State and the Department of Energy to fulfill President Trump's commitment," he remarked.

Earlier, on Thursday, President Donald Trump confirmed that he had approved South Korea’s initiative to develop a nuclear-powered submarine.

The South Korean Defense Ministry reported on Thursday that Seoul may deploy a nuclear-powered submarine in the mid-to-late 2030s, relying on domestically developed technology.

Hegseth also described the US-South Korea alliance as “stronger than ever,” noting for the first time that both nations have agreed to conduct maintenance and repairs of US warships in Korean shipyards.

"Our historic alliance is stronger than ever before and is vital to the Asia Pacific," the US defense chief emphasized.

He further explained that during the meeting, both parties explored practical measures to modernize and reinforce their partnership.

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