South Korea and the United States have teamed up to develop advanced technology using artificial intelligence to counter cyber threats, a ministry said Monday.

The allies reached the deal when Reginald Brothers, under secretary for science and technology at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, visited here, according to the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning.

The two sides "intend to explore areas of mutual value and benefit, which may lead to joint activities aimed at enhancing operational readiness to support cybersecurity, and resilience," read the Joint Statement of Intent between the ministries.

It added that both South Korea and the U.S. "recognize the desirability of sharing and securing sensitive or proprietary information, as appropriate, to ensure continued cooperation and collaboration in cybersecurity matters and, wherever possible, coordinated responses to new or emerging threats."

The ministry explained that they have agreed to push for joint research and development on "AI-based cybersecurity."

The two countries will even share necessary budgets, it said without giving other details.

"It's of big significance in that (we) will secure global competitiveness (in the field) in cooperation with the U.S. with the world's top-class technology," said Vice ICT Minister Choi Jae-you who led the relevant discussions. (Yonhap)