S. Korea Acting President, US President Discuss Joint Defense Capabilities

South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn held telephone talks with US President Donald Trump on Monday for the first time since the latter took office earlier this month, officials said. 
During the talks, Hwang vowed to strengthen joint defense capabilities against a provocative North Korea, while Trump reiterated America's commitment to defend its Asian ally, South Korea's news agency (Yonhap) reported. 
Meanwhile, the White House said in a statement that the US President and South Korean Acting President agreed during the phone call to take steps to strengthen joint defense capabilities to defend against threats from North Korea. 
"President Trump reiterated our ironclad commitment to defend (South Korea), including through the provision of extended deterrence, using the full range of military capabilities," the White House said. 
The two leaders also discussed US Defense Secretary James Mattis' upcoming trip to South Korea next week and noted the trip "reflects the close friendship between our two countries and demonstrates the importance of the US-ROK alliance," the White House said. 
Trump and Hwang "pledged to advance mutual security and prosperity," it said.

Source: QNA