South Korea and Japan Strengthen Security Ties Amid Sado Mine Controversy
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Seoul, Nov 30 (NationPress) South Korea and Japan convened a joint meeting involving senior diplomats and defense officials, emphasizing the significance of their security partnership, as stated by Seoul's Foreign Ministry, despite ongoing tensions regarding Japan's memorial service for Korean victims of wartime forced labor.
During the director-general level policy discussions held in Tokyo, the two nations evaluated the regional security landscape and shared insights on both bilateral and trilateral security cooperation, which also includes the United States, as reported by Yonhap news agency citing the ministry.
Both parties agreed that collaboration in security matters is crucial to effectively address the challenging regional and international political climate, particularly due to North Korea's military activities in Russia, according to the ministry.
They also reached a consensus to enhance their cooperation founded on a “mutual understanding” of each other's defense and security strategies.
The discussions were perceived as a clear attempt to foster collaboration as strategic allies amidst concerns over North Korea's military advancements and increasing military ties with Russia.
This meeting occurred during a dispute surrounding a memorial event for Korean victims of wartime forced labor at the UNESCO-recognized Sado mine complex in Japan.
Seoul had declined to participate in the inaugural memorial service that took place on Sunday, criticizing Japan for a lack of genuine acknowledgment of the Korean victims.
The director-general level policy consultations, initiated in 1998, have been conducted intermittently based on the state of bilateral relations.
The last meeting was held in Seoul in April of the previous year, resuming after a five-year gap due to deteriorating relations over historical grievances.
