The defense ministers of Japan and South Korea have agreed to continue cooperation and mutual visits for annual talks.
Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro met his South Korean counterpart, Ahn Gyu-back, for about 50 minutes on Friday at the Yokosuka Naval Base of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force near Tokyo.
Koizumi said at the outset of the meeting that he wants it to be an opportunity to exchange candid opinions and deepen the relationship of mutual trust.
Ahn said he hopes it will help move bilateral relations a step forward.
The two ministers affirmed their commitment to working together for peace and stability in the region, where the security situation has become increasingly severe.
They agreed to continue efforts between the two countries, and also with the United States, toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
They also agreed on mutual visits and meetings every year to promote defense cooperation and exchanges between the two nations.
Earlier in the day, the South Korean military announced that a transport airplane of its Air Force had made an emergency landing at the Naha Air Base of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force in Okinawa after a decrease in engine output was detected.
Ahn expressed his gratitude for Japan’s help for the aircraft.
After the talks, Koizumi and Ahn played table tennis, which is one of hobbies of the South Korean minister.
Koizumi told reporters that defense cooperation between Japan and South Korea, as well as the US, is becoming more important than ever given the worsening security environment. He said he wants to visit South Korea in return to deepen communication. Koizumi vowed to continue the bilateral defense cooperation firmly and positively.
AloJapan.com