South Korea and Japan agreed on Friday to deepen defense cooperation and jointly develop advanced military technologies, marking another step in the rapid warming of ties between the two neighbors.
The agreement was reached during talks in Yokosuka, Japan, between South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu back and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, according to a statement from South Korea’s Defense Ministry. Both sides said they would expand collaboration on next generation weapons systems and enhance coordination at sea.
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The move reflects a broader shift in regional security strategy as Seoul and Tokyo align more closely amid rising tensions in East Asia and growing concerns over global instability. Both countries are key allies of the United States and have recently worked to overcome years of strained relations linked to Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.
As part of the agreement, the two defense chiefs approved plans to hold joint naval search and rescue exercises and to strengthen operational cooperation between their armed forces. The ministry said the drills would improve interoperability and crisis response capabilities.
The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to trilateral defense cooperation with Washington, stressing the importance of coordination in maintaining peace and stability in the region. The discussions built on previous talks held in South Korea in September.
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South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that Koizumi told his counterpart that defense cooperation between Japan and South Korea, as well as with the United States, was more critical than ever given the evolving security environment.
Relations between Seoul and Tokyo have improved significantly under new leadership in both countries, following years of diplomatic friction over historical disputes and trade issues. The renewed engagement has been welcomed by Washington, which has encouraged closer coordination among its allies in the region.
Earlier this year, officials from all three countries agreed to expand joint military exercises and intelligence sharing, according to Reuters. Analysts say the latest meeting signals an effort to turn political rapprochement into sustained security cooperation.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry said further discussions are expected as both sides work to translate the agreements into concrete military programs in the coming months.
