The U.S. military commander in South Korea has expressed hope that negotiations on the relocation of U.S. troops stationed in the South would be concluded within the year.

Appearing before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Thursday, General Leon LaPorte said he hopes both sides would reach a final agreement at the next round of bilateral negotiations in May, and that South Korea's new parliament would approve it before the end of this year.

He said Seoul and Washington are committed to an "enduring" U.S. presence, adding that up to this point in time, there has been no discussion of troop withdrawals. Instead, he said, it has really been a discussion of enhancing capabilities, shaping and aligning forces, for many reasons.

As for the costs for troop realignment, the general said South Korea would pay for a large portion of the costs.

Meanwhile, U.S. Pacific fleet commander Admiral Thomas Fargo, who also attended the congressional hearing, said the U.S. force structure in the Pacific is well-prepared to respond to any threats and to ensure diplomacy is backed by strong military capability.