President Roh Moo-hyun has discussed with U.S. President George W. Bush Washington's plan to move thousands of U.S. troops in South Korea to Iraq.

Presidential spokesman Yoon Tai-young said Monday that Bush telephoned Roh and explained the transfer of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea to Iraq is inevitable for the successful handover of sovereignty in the war-torn nation set for the end of next month. Yoon quoted Roh as saying that he understood the U.S. decision.

Bush reportedly stressed that there would be no changes in Washington's commitment to defend South Korea.

On Seoul's plan to dispatch additional troops to Iraq, Roh reaffirmed such a decision, adding that the government is working to overcome domestic difficulties, trying to persuade the public over the troop deployment.

Yoon said Roh stressed the need for efforts to ensure substantial progress in seeking a peaceful resolution to North Korea's nuclear issue.

Yoon added that Bush also congratulated Roh on returning to official duties after the Constitutional Court overturned his impeachment last week.