Defense Minister Kim Jang Soo left for Washington on Thursday to hold talks with his U.S. counterpart.

He will meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Friday to discuss Korea's retaking of wartime operations command, relocating the U.S. Army base in Seoul, and revising the role and responsibilities of the United Nations Command.

Some Seoul officials say the two sides are likely to set a 2012 target date for the command transfer.

Regarding the base relocation, the two defense chiefs are expected to agree to push back the original deadline of late 2008 and pledge cooperation for the plan's prompt execution.

On Sunday, Minister Kim will drop by Japan on his way home where he'll discuss military exchanges with Japanese Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma.

[Photo : ]