UPDATE 2 - US, Japanese defense chiefs hold talks in Washington

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By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to the Pentagon on Thursday for talks.

Hegseth hosted an enhanced honor cordon for Koizumi. Earlier, Hegseth was joined by Koizumi for morning training at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

At the meeting's outset, Hegseth said the goal is to strengthen the US-Japan alliance "in every way possible."

He also praised Japan's commitment last year to increase defense spending as a "really important step."

"It's going to be hard-nosed realism, practical commonsense approach that puts both of our vital national interests together and keeps the peace.

Koizumi said the alliance is becoming "even more solid and unwavering."

"I'm very much looking forward to our substantive discussion today on the various matters to further enhance deterrence and response capabilities to the Japan-U.S. Alliance," he added.

On Monday, Koizumi visited the US Indo-Pacific Command headquarters in Hawaii, where he addressed the Honolulu Defense Forum.

Koizumi emphasized Japan’s resolve to further play a leading role in promoting regional peace and stability while enhancing cooperation with the US and other partners.