Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has visited the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), officials said Wednesday, as part of efforts to strengthen defense technology cooperation between the two nations.

During his visit Tuesday (local time), Kim was briefed on developments in manned and unmanned combat systems and discussed defense science and technology cooperation between South Korea and the United States.

“Manned-unmanned teaming systems and artificial intelligence will be core areas for South Korea and U.S. cooperation in the area of cutting-edge science and technology to evolve into a science and technology alliance,” Kim was quoted as saying.

Kim made the visit as he traveled to Washington, D.C., on the occasion of the Security Consultative Meeting, an annual meeting between the defense chiefs of South Korea and the U.S., scheduled for later in the day.

Source: Yonhap News Agency