JAKARTA - Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stressed the importance of security cooperation with South Korea amid new concerns over bilateral relations between the two countries.
Koizumi's statement was delivered at a press conference on Tuesday, November 18, after reports emerged that the two countries might cancel a joint maritime search and rescue exercise plan scheduled for later this month.
"There has been absolutely no change in the fact that cooperation between Japan and South Korea, as well as cooperation between Japan, the United States, and South Korea, is increasingly important," Koizumi said.
Japan recently canceled plans to refuel South Korean Air Force aircraft for the first time at its Self-Defense Forces base, after several aircraft flew near Seoul-run islands but Tokyo claimed in the Sea of Japan.
The islands are known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea.
In response to this, the South Korean government decided not to send a military music group to the Self-Defense Forces music festival in Tokyo last week.
The decision comes just weeks after Koizumi and South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu Back agreed to increase the exchange of defense personnel.
Japan and South Korea have communicated closely at various levels. We will continue to make exchanges to maintain and strengthen coordination," said Koizumi.
Koizumi emphasized that despite recent diplomatic tensions, Japan remains committed to strengthening strategic defense cooperation with South Korea, while ensuring regional stability in the East Asia region.
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