WASHINGTON

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday welcomed Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to the Pentagon for talks.

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

On Monday, Koizumi visited the US Indo-Pacific Command headquarters in Hawaii, where he also 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.