Japanese and NATO officers agreed Tuesday to step up navy cooperation and joint workout routines as they shared issues that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is inflicting a deterioration of the safety surroundings in Europe and Asia.
Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi stated after assembly with NATO Military Committee chief Rob Bauer that Japan hopes to strengthen its ties with European nations and welcomes NATO’s expanded involvement within the Indo-Pacific area.
“The security of Europe and Asia are closely intertwined, especially now with the international community facing serious challenges,” Mr. Kishi stated.
Mr. Bauer’s go to in Tokyo comes as Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force is collaborating in NATO naval workout routines within the Mediterranean Sea.
Japan has been rising its navy capabilities and cooperation with Europe, along with its alliance with the United States and partnerships with different nations within the Indo-Pacific area and past, within the face of China’s rise.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been invited to the NATO summit later this month, and is reportedly contemplating attending the assembly, which might make him the primary Japanese chief to take action.
In May, Japanese Military Chief of Staff Koji Yamazaki joined a gathering of NATO counterparts in Belgium for the primary time.
Mr. Bauer praised their elevated engagement in tackling “shared security challenges”.
Japan shortly joined the United States and Europe in imposing sanctions towards Russia and offering assist for Ukraine, saying the disaster impacts not solely Europe but in addition might additional embolden China to extend its assertiveness within the Indo-Pacific.
Source: www.thehindu.com
