Koizumi will arrive in Seoul on Saturday and hold talks with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu-back the following day.
Koizumi will arrive in Seoul on Saturday and hold talks with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul the following day, in what both sides describe as part of ongoing "shuttle diplomacy" in defense cooperation between the two neighboring countries, aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and trust through regular high-level exchanges.
The visit also serves as Koizumi's reciprocal trip following Ahn's visit to Tokyo in January this year.
The two are expected to discuss ways to deepen defense cooperation including military exchanges and broader regional security issues such as the lingering conflict in the Middle East including safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Japanese media reported that talks may include Japan providing aerial refueling support for South Korea's Black Eagles during overseas air shows.
The two sides are also likely to discuss potential reciprocal military logistics support, known as an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), although officials say formal negotiations have not yet begun.
Koizumi is then scheduled to visit the Seoul National Cemetery in the capital, watch an aerobatic show by the South Korean Air Force's Black Eagles team, and attend a youth forum.
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