Military officials from South Korea and the United States are holding talks in Washington to discuss the U.S. plan to cut back its troop presence in South Korea.

Led by Assistant Defense Minister for Policy Ahn Kwang-chan, the South Korean delegation flew to Washington Monday for the 12th round of the Future of the Alliance discussions, which kicked off on Wednesday.

A Defense Ministry official said this week's talks will focus on coordinating the two sides' positions ahead of the annual Security Consultative Meeting slated to open next month.

Last month, the two countries held talks to seek a compromise on the timetable for the U.S. troop reduction but the forum ended without any agreement.

Washington wants to slash one third of its 37,500 troops in South Korea by December of next year as part of a broader plan to reposition its forces worldwide.

South Korea, however, wants Washington to delay the plan, citing a persistent security threat from North Korea.