The government says it has proposed to the United States that the two sides devise a more rational, transparent formula for defense-cost sharing, and is awaiting Washington's response.

Foreign Minister Song Min-soon told a news briefing Wednesday that Korean and U.S. officials will meet in the near future to discuss specific methods and procedures for defense cost-sharing.

He said that Seoul is wide open to discussion and hopes to reach agreement soon.

Song’s remarks came after the commander of U.S. forces stationed in Korea Burwell Bell called for more equitable cost-sharing in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. General Bell said that without such arrangements, the USFK may be forced to recommend a range of cost-cutting fiscal measures to the U.S. government, including a review of the plans for base relocation and consolidation.

Seoul has stressed the need for transparency in fixing defense costs for the two sides, while Washington wants to increase Seoul’s share from its current 41 percent.

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