Japan and South Korea Hold High-Level Talks During Seoul's Political Crisis

Foreign ministers discuss North Korea, trilateral security with the U.S., and bilateral ties as South Korea faces leadership uncertainty.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul convened in Seoul for the first such meeting in over six years, focusing on shared security concerns and bilateral cooperation.
The talks emphasized the importance of trilateral coordination with the U.S. to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, as well as Pyongyang's growing ties with Moscow.
South Korea's political turmoil, triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over a failed martial law bid, has raised concerns about the country's stability and leadership transition.
Cho reassured Japan of South Korea's commitment to maintaining diplomatic consistency and strengthening ties despite domestic challenges.
Iwaya is also set to meet South Korea's acting president and continue discussions on regional stability before traveling to the Philippines to bolster strategic partnerships.