President Lee Jae Myung said that South Korea has secured the United States’ support in regaining wartime operational control.

The president made remarks on Friday in a televised statement, announcing that the two nations had reached a final agreement on the details of their trade and security negotiations. 

Lee said South Korea can now pursue the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, a long-standing national goal and a key strategic asset for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Lee said Seoul had also secured Washington’s approval to proceed with uranium enrichment and spent-fuel processing, calling the development a significant step forward. 

The president said that the two nations had agreed to explore allowing U.S. commercial vessels and naval ships to be built in South Korea.

Lee said that the U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its troops in South Korea and providing extended deterrence.