S. Korean FM, IAEA chief discuss Seoul's nuclear submarine bid, N.K. nuke issue

▲ This photo, provided by the foreign ministry, shows Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (R) and International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi greeting each other during talks in Seoul on April 15, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

FM-IAEA chief

S. Korean FM, IAEA chief discuss Seoul's nuclear submarine bid, N.K. nuke issue

SEOUL, April 15 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Wednesday met with the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Seoul to discuss South Korea's plan to develop its own nuclear-powered submarines and North Korea's nuclear program, according to officials.

According to the foreign ministry, Cho held a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, where he reaffirmed that South Korea has been fully upholding its Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty obligations, and vowed to continue close coordination regarding the country's nuclear-powered submarine project.

Seoul is seeking to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under an agreement reached with the United States in a summit held last year, along with efforts to secure uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing capabilities for civil purposes.

Grossi said he hopes Seoul will continue to abide by nonproliferation commitments it has carried out diligently, and agreed to continue close coordination.

On North Korea's nuclear issues, Cho said Seoul was working to end hostility and confrontation between the two Koreas, while nurturing an environment for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.

In response, Grossi said he supports Seoul's diplomatic efforts, noting North Korea's nuclear issue remained a key agenda for the IAEA.

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