Korea-Japan Defense Ministers Hold Talks in Seoul — First Japanese Visit in 11 Years

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited Seoul for two days of talks with South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu-back on June 28–29, marking the first Japanese defense minister visit to South Korea in 11 years. The ministers agreed to deepen cooperation in AI and defense technology, and conducted a joint visit to an Air Force unit hosting the Black Eagles aerobatic team. The two countries resumed joint maritime search-and-rescue exercises earlier in June after a nine-year hiatus. Japan proposed a bilateral military logistics support pact (ACSA), but South Korea expressed reservations citing the need for public understanding.