Relations between North Korea, South Korea and the United States remain uncertain.
North Korea recently launched ballistic missiles and condemned joint USโSouth Korean military exercises as preparations for war. Seoul and Washington say the exercises are defensive.
However, US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to significantly reduce the drills, citing their cost and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump also said Kim had responded to his diplomatic outreach but provided no details.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed the importance of the US alliance while calling for stronger independent defence capabilities.
His government hopes renewed dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang could help reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
