US-South Korea security pledge as Panetta visits Seoul

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15490397

The US and South Korea say they will deepen military co-operation to counter attacks by North Korea, after two deadly incidents last year.

The move came as US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta met his South Korean counterpart in Seoul.

Mr Panetta said North Korea remained a "serious threat" against which Seoul and Washington would ensure a "strong and effective alliance".

Last week US diplomats held talks in Geneva with North Korean officials.