Overview

• Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani met South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul in the first such visit in a decade during the Seoul Defense Dialogue.
• A joint statement committed both sides to explore cooperation in advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, unmanned systems such as drones, and space.
• The ministers agreed to expand strategic communication through regular consultations, reciprocal visits and broader personnel exchanges between their defense establishments.
• Both reaffirmed the goal of complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and pledged continued trilateral work with the United States against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, while noting concern over deepening North Korea–Russia military ties.
• Using the forum’s platform, Ahn outlined a two-track approach that pairs strong deterrence with efforts to reduce tensions and build trust with Pyongyang.