Seoul, Tokyo deepen security dialogue on North Korea, US ties, Middle East

South Korea and Japan held their first “two-plus-two” talks at the deputy foreign and defence minister level in Seoul, focusing on strengthening bilateral and trilateral cooperation with the United States amid growing security challenges in the Asia-Pacific, including North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

Previously, security consultations between the two countries were conducted at the level of director-general, but this year the format was upgraded to deputy ministers, Caliber.Az reports per South Korean media.

From the South Korean side, First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo and Vice Defence Minister Lee Doo-hee took part in the meeting. Japan was represented by Vice Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi and Vice Defence Minister Koji Kano.

They also addressed developments in the Middle East, including the situation around the Strait of Hormuz.

The consultation format between Seoul and Tokyo has been in place since 1998, but has been periodically suspended due to tensions in bilateral relations. The previous meeting was held in Tokyo in November 2024.

By Jeyhun Aghazada