Washington and Seoul have reached an agreement to expand the scope of joint exercises this year, Pentagon reported.

A statement to that effect was made by United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean National Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup.

The two leaders also pledged to continue to expand and increase the level and scope of joint exercises and training, the U.S. agency clarified in a statement.

The U.S. and South Korea reiterated the need to take into account security developments, including North Korea's moves on its missile and nuclear programs.

In addition, Lee Jong-sup did not rule out the possibility of using nuclear weapons to defend South Korea.

Other details of cooperation between the U.S. and South Korean sides have not yet been provided.