Japan's defense minister will visit Seoul for the first time in nine years

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani plans to visit Seoul in late December for the first time in nine years. This was reported by Kyodo news agency on Monday, November 18.

According to the publication, the visit should be another manifestation of a significant improvement in relations between Seoul and Tokyo. They were previously marred by numerous conflicts that stretch back to the days of Japanese colonial rule.

Amid strained relations, in 2018, a South Korean warship even pointed its missile control radar at a Japanese destroyer during one incident. After that, all contacts between the two countries' defense departments were cut off.

Earlier, on Nov. 16, the U.S., the Republic of Korea and Japan agreed to strengthen their common anti-missile capabilities. It will now include annual meetings at the level of military chiefs of general staffs and ministers.

On Nov. 4, the U.S. and South Korea reached a preliminary agreement on nuclear cooperation. The two countries reportedly strengthened the administration of export controls on civilian nuclear technology.