Vice President Biden hosted Republic of Korea (ROK) President Park Geun-hye for a lunch meeting today at the Naval Observatory.   The Vice President and President Park reviewed recent progress within the U.S.-ROK alliance – bilaterally, regionally, and globally.  The two discussed the importance of strong regional relations and close coordination on common strategic interests.  The Vice President commended President Park for her efforts to improve inter-Korean ties and reaffirmed unwavering U.S. commitment to deter and defend against North Korean provocations.