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Japan urges S. Korea to renew military intel. pact

TOKYO, Nov 22 (KUNA) -- Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono expressed concern over South Korea's withdrawal from a bilateral military intelligence-sharing pact, as it is set to expire at the end of Friday.
"Given the current situation with North Korea, we are concerned that South Korea's pullout from the agreement could send a wrong message to North Korea and other countries in the region," Kono told reporters Friday.
The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), signed in 2016, has allowed the two countries to share information on the threat posed by North Korea and its missile and nuclear programs. But Seoul said in August it would not renew the pact beyond the deadline on Friday unless Tokyo drops export controls against the country.
"There are people in the South Korean government who recognize the importance of the GSOMIA. I believe South Korea will make a sensible decision," said Kono, urging Seoul to retract its decision to terminate the pact. Meanwhile, Kono affirmed that GSOMIA's expiry will not have a direct effect on Japan's security.
The two neighbours' relations have significantly worsened since South Korea's top court ordered Japanese firms last year to pay compensation to Korean labourers during World War II. (end) mk.hb