Japan and South Korea are set to resume joint maritime search and rescue exercises next month, marking the first such drills in nearly nine years.
South Korean Defence Minister An Gyu Bak announced that the exercise, involving the Republic of Korea Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, is scheduled for June 7. It will be the first joint activity of this kind since 2017 and is seen as a sign of improving defence and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the importance of cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The planned exercises highlight renewed efforts to strengthen maritime coordination and regional security cooperation.
