WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2016 — Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement that he welcomes the security agreement signed between Japan and South Korea today.

“I welcome the approval by the Republic of Korea and Japan of a General Security of Military Information Agreement,” the secretary said. “The ROK-Japan GSOMIA will enable increased information sharing and strengthen cooperation between our two closest allies in Northeast Asia.”

Carter added, “By sharing appropriate security information, they will enhance their deterrence posture against North Korean aggression and strengthen their ability to defend against continued missile launches and nuclear tests, both of which are explicitly prohibited by U.N. Security Council resolutions.”