Bangkok: Thailand and Japan are strengthening their cooperation in security matters, with plans to hold meetings between their Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers to discuss security issues pertinent to both the countries and the broader region. According to Thai News Agency, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew shared insights from his recent discussions with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi during his visit to Japan. He mentioned that Minister Koizumi expressed a keen interest in broadening defense cooperation with Thailand. The relationship between Thailand and Japan is described as a comprehensive partnership that spans multiple dimensions, including trade, investment, and security. Both nations have recognized that the current security challenges, such as geopolitical competition among major powers and concerns about the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and the Korean Peninsula, require mutual attention and cooperation to foster peace and security in the region. To address these challenges, both countries consider it essential to engage in more frequent high-level discussions to gain a better understanding of each other's perspectives, concerns, and potential areas of cooperation. At present, security dialogues take place at the director-general level, but there is a mutual interest in elevating these discussions to the ministerial level. This would ideally involve the Foreign Ministers and Defense Ministers of both nations, focusing on regional and international security issues. Regarding the Thai-Cambodian border situation, Mr. Sihasak noted that Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi did not inquire about this issue, as he had already discussed it with the Japanese Foreign Minister and was familiar with the discussions' minutes.