South Korea, Japan defense ministers agree to upgrade cooperation

The defense ministers of South Korea and Japan agreed on Friday to upgrade defense cooperation and plan to work together in incorporating artificial intelligence and unmanned weapon systems, Reuters reported citing a statement from South Korea's Defence Ministry.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu-back held talks in Yokosuka, Japan, and agreed to conduct joint naval search-and-rescue drills, according to the report.

Ahn and Koizumi discussed working together to ensure peace and stability in the region amid the challenges of the global security environment and continuing defence cooperation with the United States, the ministry said.