Defense chiefs of Korea, Japan agree on defense cooperation based on 'mutual understanding'
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back spoke with his Japanese counterpart on the phone Tuesday and shared an understanding on the need for bilateral defense cooperation grounded in mutual understanding, Seoul's defense ministry said. Ahn held a video call with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi earlier in the day, where he reaffirmed the trust built between the two nations during his tenure,…
Defense ministers from South Korea and Japan have agreed to bolster defense cooperation, Seoul's defense ministry announced. In a phone conversation on Tuesday, Ahn Gyu-back and Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the importance of mutual understanding in their bilateral relationship, according to the ministry. Ahn also commended the trust established between their nations throughout his term and extended condolences for Japan's earthquake in late July, which struck Kumamoto Prefecture.
Both leaders agreed that trilateral cooperation with the United States was crucial for maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. The meeting comes amid strained relations between the defense officials, following Koizumi's visit to a war shrine in Tokyo, a gesture that drew criticism from Seoul. Despite this, the Japanese defense chief did not attend the Seoul Defense Dialogue earlier this month, with the vice minister stepping in.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
