Defense and foreign ministers from South Korea and the US have agreed to seek measures to strengthen comprehensive missile defense capabilities against the DPRK.

During their meeting in Washington, they also agreed to establish a consultation channel on cyber security, recognizing the growing challenge posed by Pyongyang's focus on enhancing electronic and cyber warfare tactics.

The second high-profile talks at the US State Department were attended by Seoul’s Foreign Minister and Defense Minister and their counterparts: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. The inaugural meeting was held in Seoul in July 2010.

There is speculation that the bilateral missile cooperation is part of a move to put South Korea into a wider missile defense program led by the US.