(VOVworld) – Japanese Defense Minister General Nakatani and his South Korean counterpart Han Min-koo agreed Tuesday to expand bilateral defense exchanges and promote talks with the United States on security issues.

Defense Minister General Nakatani (left) and South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo (Photo: asia.nikkei.com)

Meeting in Seoul, Nakatani and Han affirmed cooperation in dealing with North Korea’s missile and nuclear weapons development, as well as anti-terrorism measures. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Nakatani said the new security laws will not alter Japan’s commitment to an exclusively defense-oriented security policy.

Referring to the laws that will expand the Self-Defense Forces’ overseas role, Nakatani said Japan will not stage military operations in South Korea’s territory without Seoul’s consent. He urged Tokyo and Seoul to sign a bilateral agreement on exchanges of military intelligence to better cope with North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs.