Lima: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized their shared commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation during discussions held on the sidelines of a multilateral summit in Peru. This meeting occurred amid escalating concerns over North Korean military threats. According to Yonhap News Agency, the two leaders conducted their second in-person summit within a month during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Lima. This meeting took place in the context of rising apprehensions over North Korea's troop deployment to Russia in support of Moscow's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. President Yoon noted that the evolving military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has rapidly altered regional and global situations, highlighting the increased importance of close coordination between South Korea and Japan. Prime Minister Ishiba echoed President Yoon's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of strengthening collaboration between Japan and South Korea gi ven the serious security situation affecting both nations, particularly recent developments involving North Korea. The leaders agreed on the necessity of deepening bilateral ties as they approach the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations next year. The meeting between Yoon and Ishiba followed a trilateral summit with U.S. President Joe Biden, where the leaders collectively condemned military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang and reaffirmed their commitment to trilateral collaboration.