Strategic cooperation between Korea and the United States, particularly in nuclear energy and cutting-edge technologies, will bring greater benefits to both countries and make their alliance more capable and future-oriented, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has said. Cho made the remarks in a speech at a reception hosted Tuesday by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. "Our strategic cooperation, especially in areas such as nuclear energy and cutting-edge technologies, will bring even greater benefits to both our peoples," Cho said, according to a script of his speech released by his ministry. "A stronger Korea that pulls its weight will make the alliance more capable, more forward-looking and more mutually beneficial." Cho also emphasized that Seoul and Washington are entering a new phase in their partnership following an agreement reached between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump last year. "If the ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953 marked the birth of our alliance, the joint fact sheet last year is the beacon for its future