SEOUL, March 3 (CGTN) -- The U.S. and the Republic of Korea are going to suspend their springtime “Key Resolve and Foal Eagle” combined exercises to try to boost efforts toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Seoul's defense ministry said Sunday.

The decision was made during a phone call between Republic of Korea Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan on Saturday, Yonhap reported.

"The minister and secretary made clear that the alliance's decision regarding the adjustment of the exercise and drills reflects both countries' expectation to back diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and achieve the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through a final, full verified method," the ministry said.