Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung Se (right) and US Secretary of State John Kerry (left). (Photo: KYODO/VNA)

(VOVworld) - Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has reaffirmed the crucial role of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, which serves as a linchpin for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Hagel made the statement at a reception for Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se in the Pentagon on Monday. Hagel also reiterated Washington’s commitment to the defense of Seoul. The secretary and the minister agreed that both sides must continue to make progress to develop and acquire critical military capabilities necessary to maintain and strengthen the combined defense posture. The two discussed the importance of maintaining a robust defense of the Korean Peninsula.

The visit took place as two countries are considering the resumption of the 10^th negotiation on dividing defense expenditure. The previous talk in Seoul failed due to differences over in the money Seoul had to spend to have 28,500 American soldiers stationed in Korea.