Japanese Defense Minister Arrives in South Korea for Bilateral Talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi arrived in South Korea on Saturday for a two-day visit aimed at expanding defense cooperation between the two countries. Koizumi began the trip by visiting the Seoul National Cemetery to pay respects to fallen soldiers.

Later the same day, he was scheduled to accompany South Korean defense officials to an Air Force base in Wonju, where the Black Eagles aerobatic team is based.

The visit follows a January trip by the South Korean defense minister to Yokosuka, Japan. It also comes after the two sides resolved a refueling dispute that had blocked support for the Black Eagles during a November air show in Dubai. Japan had objected to one aircraft's participation in a drill over the Dokdo islets.

The ministers are set to hold formal bilateral talks on Sunday, less than a month after their previous meeting in Singapore. A Japanese news outlet reported that regular refueling support for the Black Eagles may be discussed. The visit marks Koizumi's first trip to South Korea in his current role.