President ParkGeun-hye pledged Tuesday to closely cooperate with the international community to enhance South Korea's security and create fresh momentum for economic growth for Asia's fourth largest economy.

Park made the comments in a meeting with chief editors of several dozen newspapers and broadcasters at Cheong Wa Dae, South Korea's presidential office.

The latest comments came amid speculation that North Korea could carry out a fifth nuclear test.

Last week, North Korea fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile in its latest show of defiance against international sanctions.

The U.N. Security Council has imposed the toughest-ever sanctions resolution on North Korea for its fourth nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch earlier this year.

Park also hinted that she will cooperate with the newly elected parliament to help improve the country's economy.

"I will make utmost efforts to ensure cooperation and communication with all segments of society while pushing for change and reforms by reflecting the will of the people as shown in the elections," Park said.

The move came two weeks after Park's ruling Saenuri Party suffered a resounding defeat in the parliamentary elections.

The Saenuri Party won 122 out of 300 seats up for grabs while the main opposition Minjoo Party and the People's Party secured 123 and 38 seats, respectively. Seventeen other seats are held by other minor party members and independents. (Yonhap)