Seoul, Sept. 11 (SANA)South Korean and U.S. defense officials discussed ways to strengthen their joint response to North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction, with a focus on its nuclear and missile capabilities,South Korea’s Defense Ministrysaid.

The talks in Seoul focused on improving the allies’ ability to respond to the potential use of weapons of mass destruction asPyongyangcontinues to develop its nuclear and missile programs, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing the ministry.

The two sides expressed concern that North Korea’s weapons programs could further destabilize the Korean Peninsula and the wider region. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation against biological threats, including infectious diseases, and improve joint crisis-management and operational capabilities.

Officials said the meeting deepened cooperation between the allies and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a joint defense posture against threats fromNorth Korea.

South Korea began deploying its powerful Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile earlier this year as part of efforts to strengthen its deterrence against a potential North Korean nuclear attack, according to military sources.

In June, South Korean PresidentLee Jae Myungcalled for continued efforts to denuclearize North Korea, warning that abandoning the goal could encourage nuclear proliferation in the region and heighten security tensions.