(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, commencing at 11:10 a.m., I held the Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference with Kim Yong-hyun, Minister of National Defense of the ROK, for approximately 20 minutes. It was held at the proposal of the ROK following my appointment. At the outset, Minister Kim offered his congratulations to me on my assumption of office. I expressed my gratitude and stated that I would like to work closely with Minister Kim to strengthen Japan-ROK and Japan-ROK-U.S. defense cooperation. During the meeting, we exchanged views on Japan-ROK and Japan-ROK-U.S. defense cooperation, and concurred on continuing to promote Japan-ROK and Japan-ROK-U.S. defense cooperation, including early realization of my visit to the ROK. While today’s meeting was a video teleconference, it was very meaningful to exchange views on bilateral and trilateral defense cooperation with Minister Kim so soon after my assuming office. We will continue to maintain close communication with the ROK. In addition, this is the third time I was appointed Minister of Defense. As Director General of the Japan Defense Agency and Minister of Defense, I have held four in-person Japan-ROK Defense Ministerial Meetings. Former Minister Shin visited Japan for the first time in 15 years in July of this year. A Japanese Defense Minister has not visited the ROK for a meeting in the approximately nine years since I visited the country in 2015. I hope to visit the ROK as early as possible and realize a Japan-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting.