Trump, South Korea’s Lee Jae Myung agree to deepen shipbuilding cooperation

U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have agreed to strengthen their collaboration in the military shipbuilding sector. The agreement was reached during a meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey, where Trump renewed his call for South Korea's involvement in constructing military vessels. Chief presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung stated that Lee pledged full cooperation and highlighted Korean companies with advanced shipbuilding expertise. This marks the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since the G-7 summit in June, where Trump initially made his request. The meeting underscores the commitment of both governments to enhance bilateral ties, particularly following Lee's assumption of office in June 2025. Both sides have committed to continuing consultations at the working level to define concrete steps for cooperation, though specific projects and timelines were not disclosed. The U.S. is keen to utilize South Korea's globally competitive shipbuilding industry to bolster its naval capacity and strengthen defense industrial ties with allies. Major South Korean shipbuilders, such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co and Hanwha Ocean Co, are already positioning themselves as key partners in the U.S. naval modernization efforts. This cooperation aligns with South Korea's broader economic commitments to the U.S., including a $350 billion investment pledge, with a significant portion dedicated to reviving America's shipbuilding industry. The leaders also revisited a prior agreement to play golf together and plan to schedule Lee's visit to the U.S. at a mutually convenient time.

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Lee pledged his full cooperation and introduced Korean companies with advanced shipbuilding capabilities.