Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to Visit South Korea in June to Deepen Japan-South Korea Defense Cooperation

TOKYO (CNA) — Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is expected to visit South Korea in late June for talks with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back. It is understood that both sides agreed to establish an annual reciprocal visit mechanism when Ahn visited Japan in January this year, and Koizumi's return visit is part of this arrangement. The two sides are expected to discuss strengthening Japan-South Korea defense cooperation and responding to the situation in North Korea.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, multiple Japanese government sources revealed that this will be Koizumi's first visit to South Korea since taking office as Defense Minister in October last year. Arrangements are being coordinated for Koizumi to inspect the inter-Korean military demarcation line and US military bases in South Korea during his visit.

The report points out that North Korea has recently strengthened military cooperation with Russia, and on the 19th, it conducted a missile test suspected of carrying cluster munitions, continuously enhancing its military capabilities. The Japanese and South Korean governments hope to strengthen security communication through high-level interactions and demonstrate a cooperative stance to the outside world.

In addition, Japan and South Korea are expected to hold their first '2+2' talks at the vice-ministerial level for foreign affairs and defense in early May. In January this year, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force also provided aerial refueling support for South Korean Air Force aircraft, indicating a gradual deepening of exchanges between the two forces.

During Koizumi's visit to South Korea, the two sides are expected to exchange views on the regional security situation during their talks and further confirm the promotion of Japan-South Korea, as well as Japan-US-South Korea trilateral security cooperation. (Edited by Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150430

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