National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday to discuss follow-up measures from the late October summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. Key topics included South Korea's push for nuclear-powered submarines and securing uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing capabilities. Wi is exploring the possibility of a separate bilateral agreement.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac arrived in Washington on Tuesday and spoke to reporters at an airport near the city, stating he would discuss the possibility of a separate bilateral agreement for South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program. He noted, "In the case of Australia, an exception was granted in accordance with Section 91 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, which requires a separate bilateral agreement." "Since we may also need that, I will discuss such a possibility." This refers to the U.S.-Australia deal that circumvented their existing nuclear energy pact to support Australia's submarine acquisition. South Korea is currently prohibited from military use of nuclear material under their bilateral civil nuclear cooperation agreement.
The meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as U.S. national security adviser, covered follow-up measures from the Lee-Trump summit held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum about a month ago. Discussions included accelerating consultations on submarines, potentially through a new consultative body. Wi said, "There are preparations from our side, and I will see what is going on with the U.S. side." On uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing, he stressed the need for concrete follow-up, as prior agreements were broad. Inter-Korean dialogue, U.S.-North Korea talks, and possible meetings with UN officials were also on the agenda. Wi remarked, "It is true that a favorable atmosphere has been established in the South Korea-U.S. alliance, among other alliances of the U.S., which could be an opportunity." "Under such an atmosphere, North Korean relations should be handled well, and for that, South Korea-U.S. coordination is important." He disagreed that North Korea issues have taken a back seat for the U.S., noting Seoul's focus on stabilizing regional ties while anticipating inter-Korean improvements.
Wi is scheduled to meet U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Thursday before heading home via New York.
