TOKYO — Defense ministers from South Korea and Japan convened in Tokyo on Sunday to deliberate on the escalating threats from North Korea and to enhance bilateral security cooperation, Seoul's Defense Ministry announced. This marked the first official visit by a South Korean defense chief to Japan’s Defense Ministry in 15 years.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and his Japanese counterpart, Minoru Kihara, discussed strengthening ties through an annual plan for defense exchanges. This includes mutual visits and exchanges among top military officials and joint search and rescue exercises, highlighting their commitment to address mutual security concerns, particularly in light of North Korea's nuclear ambitions and its military ties with Russia.