Seoul: Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi arrived in South Korea for discussions with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, as both nations aim to strengthen their defense collaboration and exchanges. Koizumi's visit marks his first to Seoul in his current role and serves as a reciprocal gesture following Ahn's visit to Yokosuka near Tokyo earlier this year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Koizumi's itinerary began with a visit to the Seoul National Cemetery to honor fallen soldiers. Later, he was scheduled to accompany Ahn to an Air Force base in Wonju, which hosts South Korea's Black Eagles aerobatic team. This visit is noteworthy because of past tensions when Japan denied South Korea's request for refueling support for the Black Eagles, following a drill over disputed islets claimed by Japan.

In December, Ahn and Koizumi resolved the refueling issue, leading to the Black Eagles receiving support at a Japanese base in Okinawa, marking the first such collaboration between the two countries. The ministers are set to engage in bilateral talks on Sunday, coming soon after their last meeting at a defense forum in Singapore.

The discussions are expected to focus on expanding defense cooperation, building on the recent positive momentum. Recent reports from a Japanese news outlet suggest the possibility of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force providing ongoing refueling support to the Black Eagles, highlighting Japan's interest in deepening military collaboration with South Korea amidst cautious public sentiment in Seoul.