WASHINGTON -- US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Wednesday met with South Korea's new Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Yun Byung-se at the Pentagon, reiterating US commitment to its alliance with the ROK.

According to a statement from Pentagon Press Secretary George Little, Hagel reaffirmed to Yun US defense and extended deterrence commitments to ROK will not change, "and that it is our duty to remain vigilant during this time of heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula."

Little said the two leaders discussed "the importance of the recent UN Security Council resolutions that are designed to limit" the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) progress on its nuclear and missile programs, while the Department of Defense remains focused on fulfilling security commitments.

Hagel also stated that diplomatic efforts are fundamental to encouraging the DPRK to pursue the path of peace.