According to South Korean media reports, President Lee Jae-myung visited the Philadelphia Shipyard on the last day of his visit to the United States, emphasizing the willingness to expand South Korea-US shipbuilding cooperation.

President Lee arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the 26th, and first visited the Dr. Seo Jae-bok Memorial Museum. The Blue House explained that "this is the first visit by former President Kim Dae-jung in 26 years, and it is significant to praise Dr. Seo's thoughts on independence and enlightenment spirit."

President Lee later visited the Philadelphia Shipyard, which was acquired by Hanwha Group for $100 million (approximately 14.7 billion yen) last year. At the site, a naming ceremony was held for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) "Main State of Main" ordered by the US Maritime Administration. The ship naming ceremony is a traditional event to name a ship that has been built and to pray for its safe operation.

This ship is the first completed vessel since the Philadelphia Shipyard restarted operations. The Philadelphia Shipyard plans to build a total of five NSMVs at a price of $300 million per ship ordered by the US Maritime Administration.

In his speech, President Lee said, "The South Korean shipbuilding industry is opening up a new path for American maritime security and contributing to the revival of the American shipbuilding industry." He also emphasized, "The Philadelphia Shipyard will be reborn as the best shipyard in the United States, and the 72-year-old South Korea-US alliance will develop into a future strategic alliance integrating security, economy, and technology."

This visit had strong symbolic significance, coming after a summit with President Trump the day before. Since the MASGA project is considered a key agenda item in the South Korea-US tariff negotiations, President Lee's visit to the shipyard can be understood as a message of "support through actions, not words."

Lee encouraged, "Entrepreneurs and workers are the main participants in South Korea-US shipbuilding cooperation."

After completing all the schedule, President Lee is scheduled to return to South Korea that evening and arrive at Seoul Airport early on the 28th. This trip to the United States will end with a six-day visit to Japan.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841563086349324/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.