South Korea and Japan to cooperate in developing a future-oriented bilateral relationship; South Korea to spend 2.7 trillion won over the next five years to secure tactical weapons to counter North Korean threat
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During the recent meeting between South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and his Japanese counterpart Yoshihiko Noda on the sidelines of the two-day long APEC meeting recently, both the counties agreed to cooperate in developing a future-oriented relationship between them. This is a significant development considering that the bilateral relationship between the two neighbouring states is at present largely strained due to their ongoing dispute over the Takeshima islands (Dokdo in South Korea). 1
In order to deal with North Korea’s nuclear and artillery attacks, the South Korean Defense Ministry has recently decided to use 2.7 trillion won (US$2.3billion) over the next five years in procuring tactical weapons. 2
- 1. “Noda, Lee agree on bilateral cooperation”, The Yomiuri Daily, September 11, 2012, at http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120910003630.htm
- 2. “2.7 tln won set aside to counter North’s nuclear, artillery threats”, The Korea Herald, September 11, 2012, at http://view.koreaherald.com/kh/view.php?ud=20120911001429