Japan, S. Korea to discuss expanding defense cooperation

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi arrived in South Korea on Saturday for talks with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, as the two countries seek to step up cooperation and exchanges at the defense level, Report informs via Yonhap.

Koizumi's two-day trip to Seoul - his first in his current capacity - comes amid a continued positive momentum in bilateral relations and reciprocates Ahn's visit to Yokosuka near Tokyo in January for bilateral talks.

Koizumi began his trip by visiting the Seoul National Cemetery and paying respects to fallen soldiers.

Later in the day, Koizumi was set to join Ahn on a visit to an Air Force base in the eastern provincial city of Wonju, home to South Korea's Black Eagles aerobatic team.