S. Korean defense minister and U.S. counterpart agree to strengthen extended deterrence, shipbuilding

South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back held his first phone call with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Thursday, with both sides agreeing to strengthen extended deterrence against North Korean threats, and cooperate on shipbuilding.

While describing the ROK-U.S. alliance as "blood-forged," Ahn said he hopes to further develop the alliance into a comprehensive strategic one that is future-oriented.

The two saw eye to eye on deepening extended deterrence efforts to counter North Korea's threats, including its illegal military ties with Russia.

They also agreed to modernize the alliance, and expand cooperation in fields including shipbuilding, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul in that industry.