▲ Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back (3rd from L) poses for a group photo with a delegation of U.S. Senate lawmakers visiting South Korea and James Heller (R), charge d'affairs ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, on April 2, 2026, in this photo provided by the defense ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

defense chief-US lawmakers

Defense chief discusses alliance issues with U.S. lawmakers

SEOUL, April 2 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Thursday held talks with a delegation of U.S. Senate lawmakers visiting South 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 South 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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