The defence ministers of South Korea and Japan agreed on Friday to upgrade defence cooperation and work together on incorporating artificial intelligence and unmanned weapon systems, South Korea’s Defence Ministry said.

Shinjiro Koizumi met his South Korean counterpart, Ahn Gyu-back, in Yokosuka, Japan, where the two sides also agreed to conduct joint naval search and rescue drills, the ministry said in a statement.

The talks come as the two Asian allies of the United States continue to rebuild political and security ties after years of strained relations. Those tensions were rooted in historical disputes linked to Japan’s occupation of the Korean peninsula in the early twentieth century.

Expanding Defence Cooperation

During the meeting, Ahn and Koizumi discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in response to an increasingly complex global security environment. According to the ministry, both ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining close coordination to ensure peace and stability in the region.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing defence cooperation with the United States. The ministry said this trilateral approach remains central to addressing shared security challenges and enhancing deterrence.

The agreement to explore cooperation on artificial intelligence and unmanned weapon systems reflects a shared interest in emerging defence technologies. While the statement did not provide specific details on timelines or scope, it highlighted a desire to deepen practical collaboration beyond traditional military exercises.

Renewed Ties Under New Leadership

South Korea and Japan have drawn closer in recent months under new leaders in both countries. Officials on both sides have signalled a willingness to move past longstanding disputes and focus on common strategic interests.

The meeting in Yokosuka follows talks held by the two ministers in September in South Korea, indicating a steady pace of engagement. Defence officials see the regularity of these meetings as evidence of improving trust and communication.

Earlier on Friday, South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that Koizumi told Ahn that defence cooperation between the two countries, and with the United States, was more important than ever. The report underlined a shared view that closer coordination is necessary given regional and global security uncertainties.

Focus On Practical Collaboration

In addition to high level policy discussions, the agreement to hold joint naval search and rescue drills signals an emphasis on practical, operational cooperation. Such exercises are often seen as confidence building measures that improve interoperability and communication between forces.

South Korea’s Defence Ministry said the discussions reflected a mutual understanding of the need to strengthen defence ties in a gradual and sustained manner. Although sensitive historical issues remain, officials have increasingly framed security cooperation as separate from unresolved political disputes.

The ministry did not provide further details on when the joint drills would take place or how the planned technology cooperation would be implemented. However, the talks suggest both sides intend to continue expanding their defence relationship as part of a broader effort to stabilise regional security.

With inputs from Reuters