Seoul: The US and South Korean defense chiefs held their first contact, pledging to strengthen ties. South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth agreed to enhance cooperation on extended deterrence against "North Korean threats," as well as on shipbuilding.

According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting came shortly after Ahn's appointment last Friday, following Hegseth's visit to other Asian Pacific allies, Japan and the Philippines, in March. Despite earlier reports suggesting a reduction of American troops in South Korea, the Pentagon dismissed such claims.

Ahn expressed the significant responsibility he feels in advancing the South Korea-US alliance, which he referred to as a "blood-forged" relationship. Both parties concurred on maintaining close collaboration, especially on extended deterrence and addressing North Korean threats, including its military cooperation with Russia.

Ahn emphasized the importance of developing the alliance into a future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership. In response, Hegseth reaffirmed the US's commitment to South Korea's defense. During Ahn's confirmation hearings, he noted the administration's aim to regain wartime operational control of South Korean forces from the US.

South Korea remains one of the US's oldest military allies in Asia, hosting over 28,500 American troops on the Korean Peninsula, a matter of concern for Pyongyang.