Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and U.S. Secretary of Army Daniel Driscoll held talks on Thursday to discuss enhancing their countries’ cooperation in the arms industry and drone development, as reported by the defense ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during the meeting in Seoul, Ahn emphasized that bilateral military trust and cooperation have strengthened the alliance between South Korea and the U.S. He proposed close cooperation to further advance these ties.

Both parties agreed on the importance of maintaining a strong combined defense posture to deter and respond to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. Ahn highlighted the critical role of U.S. Forces Korea in ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The defense minister advocated for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in science technology and the arms industry, particularly in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), which Driscoll supported.

Ahn and Driscoll also acknowledged the increasing significance of drones in future warfare and agreed to expand joint research, production, and operation of these unmanned assets, as noted by the ministry.