Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the shipbuilding sector with U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Fallon, who visited South Korea on the 30th.
Acting Prime Minister Han noted, “Shipbuilding cooperation is a representative area where both South Korea and the U.S. can achieve a win-win situation,” and said, “South Korea is the optimal partner to support the reconstruction of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.”
He continued, “I hope that both countries can strengthen cooperation in the shipbuilding sector based on the trust accumulated from our companies' successful maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of U.S. vessels.”
Acting Prime Minister Han stated that “the South Korea-U.S. alliance has evolved into the most successful alliance over the past 70 years, functioning as a key axis for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region,” and added, “I expect close communication with the U.S. side to ensure the solid maintenance and development of the South Korea-U.S. alliance.”
Acting Prime Minister Han requested Minister Fallon to pay attention and support so that our shipyard can contribute to the development of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
Minister Fallon expressed deep agreement that cooperation in the shipbuilding sector between South Korea and the U.S. needs to be further strengthened for enhancing naval readiness and rebuilding the U.S. shipbuilding industry. This meeting marks Minister Fallon's first overseas engagement as Secretary of the Navy.
Minister Fallon responded, “Successful MRO cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. is significantly contributing to the readiness of the U.S. Navy,” and said, “I will make every effort to actively promote shipbuilding cooperation with Korean corporations in the future.”