US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States will be "steadfast and strong" in defending against North Korea during his telephone conversation with South Korean President Park Geun-hye.

    During the talks that lasted some 10 minutes, Trump also said, "We are with you all the way and will not waver," as they discussed the communist state's evolving military threats. "We will be steadfast and strong with respect to working with you to protect against the instability in North Korea," he was quoted by Seoul's presidential office as saying during the conversation with Park. 

    Park also voiced hope that she will have an opportunity to meet with Trump for more "in-depth discussions" in the near future, and that Trump will visit South Korea soon. Trump, in response, said that he is also looking forward to meeting with Park.

    Pointing to the North's nuclear and missile threats as the "most serious challenge" facing the bilateral alliance, the South Korean leader called for close cooperation in handling Pyongyang's saber rattling.

    Park also pointed out that the bilateral alliance has built trust while weathering the challenges over the last six decades and has been the "cornerstone" for peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Park, in addition, said that she looks forward to further strengthening the alliance in various areas for the common interests of the two countries in the future.

Source: QNA