During their first phone call, Kim and Hegseth reaffirmed the "strong and unwavering alliance" between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of further strengthening and expanding the bilateral relations, which have served as a "linchpin" of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
They stressed that maintaining their combined defense posture is more "important than ever" to effectively deter and address North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
The two also agreed to expand trilateral security cooperation with Japan to bolster regional stability.
Hegseth was sworn in last Friday as the Pentagon's chief, despite a slew of allegations including domestic violence and alcohol abuse, joining the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who just started his second non-consecutive term on Jan. 20.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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