Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to boost their countries’ joint defense capabilities to respond to North Korea’s threats.
 
AFP reported that the two leaders reached the agreement over the phone on Monday.
 
The report quoted the White House as saying in a statement that Trump reiterated Washington's “ironclad commitment” to defend Seoul, “including through the provision of extended deterrence, using the full range of military capabilities.”
 
AFP noted that Monday’s phone conversation is drawing all the more attention as it took place at a time when the North is increasing its threat to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile(ICBM).
 
The White House also mentioned in its statement the planned trip to South Korea by U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis. Mattis is due to travel to South Korea on Wednesday and Japan on Friday on his first trip as the Pentagon chief.
 
While describing the upcoming trip as reflecting the close friendship between Seoul and Washington, the White House added that it demonstrates the importance of the alliance.
 
Observers say Mattis’ trip is part of efforts to dispel concerns that the U.S.’ alliance with Seoul and Tokyo could be undermined with the Trump administration’s “America First” foreign policy.
 
AFP also noted that during his presidential campaign, Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. forces from South Korea and Japan if they did not shoulder more of the defense-cost sharing.

[Photo : ]