A number of U.S. media outlets say South Korea-U.S. summit talks held in Seoul on Thursday provided an opportunity for the two countries to reaffirm their close relations.

The Washington Post said the Lee-Obama summit was held amid a friendly atmosphere, adding that the kind of tension that emerged during Obama’s trips to Japan and China was not spotted.

The daily added that the two countries affirmed their bilateral cooperation toward resolving North Korea’s nuclear issue, with Obama expressing strong support for Lee’s “grand bargain" aimed at ending the North's nuclear program.

The New York Times said Obama’s recent trip to Seoul provided the opportunity for the two nations to upgrade their ties.