Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi Expected to Visit South Korea in June to Deepen Japan-South Korea Defense Cooperation

(Central News Agency reporter Dai Yazhen, Tokyo, 30th) Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is expected to visit South Korea in late June for talks with South Korean Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back. It is understood that the two sides agreed to establish an annual reciprocal visit mechanism when Ahn Gyu-back visited Japan in January this year, and Koizumi's return visit is part of this. The two sides are expected to discuss issues such as strengthening Japan-South Korea defense cooperation and responding to the situation in North Korea.

According to a Yomiuri Shimbun report, 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, and arrangements are being coordinated for Koizumi to inspect the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, as well as US Forces Korea bases 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 warheads, 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 Republic of Korea Air Force aircraft, indicating a gradual deepening of exchanges between the two forces.

During Koizumi's visit to South Korea, it is expected that the two sides will exchange views on the regional security situation during the talks and further confirm the promotion of Japan-South Korea, as well as Japan-U.S.-South Korea trilateral security cooperation. (Editor: Zhang Zhixuan) 1150430