Japan and South Korea Defense Ministers Meet in Singapore to Discuss Military Logistics Support Agreement

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek stated today that he took the opportunity to meet with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi while attending the Asia Security Summit in Singapore, where they exchanged views on the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn told reporters that he held talks with Koizumi yesterday during the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue. Ahn mentioned that while he could not disclose details of the meeting, he noted that signing an ACSA requires the understanding of the people of both countries, and he believes the South Korean side should proceed with caution. The core of the ACSA is that, if necessary, the parties to the agreement can mutually provide military supplies such as ammunition, food, and fuel. During the administration of former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, Japan and South Korea were prepared to sign the ACSA and the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), but these were suspended due to domestic opposition in South Korea. Yonhap noted that Japan has consistently hoped to sign an ACSA with South Korea, while Seoul maintains a cautious stance.