Senior diplomats from South Korea and the United States met here Tuesday for the latest round of talks aimed at discussing bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern.

During the strategic dialogue, South Korean vice foreign minister Ahn Ho-young and U.S. deputy secretary of state William J. Burns discussed a range of issues including the bilateral alliance and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear issues, according to the foreign ministry.

The officials noted the importance of the stable management of the situation on the Korean Peninsula ahead of presidential elections in both South Korea and the U.S., and pledged joint efforts to ensure regional stability and prosperity.

The two sides also discussed recent developments in the Middle East, including Iran's pursuit of its nuclear program and aid to Libya and Egypt, the ministry said in a statement.

The visit to Seoul by Burns is part of his five-nation tour, which includes stops in Japan, China, Myanmar and India.

The next round of strategic talks, launched in 2006, will be held in Washington next year, according to the ministry.