Korea, US seek defense ministers' talks in Seoul next month

South Korea and the United States are arranging their first defense ministers' talks in Seoul next month since the inauguration of Donald Trump, the defense ministry said Wednesday, US Defense Secretary James Mattis reportedly plans to visit Japan and South Korea in his first overseas trip after he was named to head the Pentagon.

"We are in talks with our US counterparts to hold the defense ministers' meeting early next month in Seoul. We are fine-tuning the detailed schedule," a ministry official said.

Mattis and Defense Minister Han Min-koo are expected to mainly discuss ways to cope with North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats, the official said.

Marine Corps General James Mattis (left) is sworn-in as Defense Secretary by Vice President Mike Pence (Yonhap)

They are also likely to reaffirm the plan to deploy the THAAD advanced missile defense system in South Korea this year to defend against the North, he said. 

Observers say the cost-sharing for US Forces Korea may also be on the agenda as Trump called for US allies to pay more for the upkeep of the US military during his election campaigning.

In a recent message sent to the Department of Defense, Mattis said, "Recognizing that no nation is secure without friends, we will work with the State Department to strengthen our alliances." (Yonhap)