The Presidential Office stated that it is "seeking ways to enhance cooperation based on a shared understanding" regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's recent mention of shipbuilding cooperation with South Korea.

On July 15 (local time), President Trump mentioned Korean companies, stating, "We need many ships for the U.S. Navy. We will also purchase some vessels built in other regions."

In response, Kang Yu-jeong, Chief Spokesperson for the Presidential Office, remarked, "I understand that President Trump and President Lee have discussed this during several dinners. It is true that there have been conversations regarding shipbuilding."

However, she also stated, "It is difficult to confirm whether the specific content mentioned by President Trump was discussed during the summit."

Previously, at the G7 summit held last month, President Trump asked President Lee if he could "build 10 warships quickly."

The two leaders also held follow-up discussions on the matter during a dinner held on July 7 on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye.

A Presidential Office official explained, "South Korea and the U.S. are seeking ways to enhance cooperation in the shipbuilding sector based on a shared understanding that such cooperation is important for the development of the future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance between the two nations."

The official added, "As there is a consensus between the two leaders on mutually beneficial cooperation in the shipbuilding sector, we hope to further specify cooperation plans through bilateral consultations moving forward."

The official also stated, "Specific cooperation plans will be discussed through working-level negotiations in the future."

In this regard, the Presidential Office official explained, "As there is a consensus between the two leaders on mutually beneficial cooperation in the shipbuilding sector, we hope to further specify cooperation plans through bilateral consultations moving forward," and added, "Specific cooperation plans will be discussed through working-level negotiations in the future."

The official added, "South Korea and the U.S. are seeking ways to enhance cooperation in the shipbuilding sector based on a shared understanding that such cooperation is important for the development of the future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance between the two nations."