Japan’s Ishiba, South Korea’s Yoon Share Concern Over North Korea-Russia Military Ties

Jiji

15:59 JST, November 17, 2024

LIMA (Jiji Press) — Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday shared grave concerns about expanding military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

The two leaders, meeting in Lima, Peru, on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, agreed that Japan, the United States and South Korea will work closely together to counter threats from North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

Ishiba told Yoon that given the severe security environment in the region, including North Korea’s movements, it is important to strengthen cooperation among Japan, the United States and South Korea.

Referring to the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia to support Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine, Yoon said that the situation in the region and the world is becoming increasingly tense and that close cooperation between Japan and South Korea has become more important than ever.

Ishiba and Yoon agreed that Japan and South Korea will further develop their relations as the two countries mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties next year.

The two leaders agreed that Japan and South Korea will promote cooperation in a wide range of areas including security and the economy.

They agreed to continue to communicate closely with each other through exchanges including mutual visits to each other’s country.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ishiba said, “Ahead of the 60th anniversary of normalized ties, I would like to increase the frequency of summit meetings.” He said he and Yoon “agreed to take the opportunity to hold talks at any time.”