Such a full-scale event has rarely been held. Previously, the Pentagon held a small-scale ceremony just at the entrance of its complex, officials said. It is the third such event that Mattis has hosted since he took office in January last year, a Pentagon official explained.

The welcoming event proceeded ahead of the Security Consultative Meeting that marked its 50th anniversary. The SCM has been the allies' overarching defense consultation dialogue held alternately in their respective capitals every year.

During the SCM, Jeong and Mattis were set to discuss a range of alliance issues, including the planned transfer of wartime operational control, the proposed suspension of the allies' combined air exercise and other key security issues. (Yonhap)