WASHINGTON, April 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday vowed to further boost U.S. ability to defend itself and its allies, said the White House.
Trump discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe regional matters of concern in a phone conversation after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) reportedly launched a ballistic missile on Wednesday, the White House said in a statement.
"The president emphasized that the United States stands with its allies Japan and South Korea in the face of the serious threat that North Korea continues to pose," it said.
Trump "made it clear that the United States will continue to strengthen its ability to defend itself and its allies with a full range of military capabilities," the statement said.
The two men "agreed to stay in close communication to enhance cooperation in North Korea and other regional issues of mutual interest," the statement added.
