Foreign Minister Iwaya attending the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Iwaya attending the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Iwaya speaking at the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Iwaya speaking at the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister Iwaya attended the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, to which Japan has been invited for four consecutive years since 2022. Minister Iwaya participated in the session attended by foreign ministers from 32 NATO member countries and Indo-Pacific partners (IP4: Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Republic of Korea). Discussions were held on security challenges across the regions, the NATO-IP4 cooperation and others.
The outline of the speech by Minister Iwaya at the meeting was as follows.
The recent development of dialogue, and cooperation between Japan and NATO demonstrates our fully shared recognition that the security of Euro-Atlantic and IndoPacific is inseparable.
As we share values, principles, and strategic interests, it is important for us to work together to show the international community that we do not tolerate any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force anywhere in the world, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Regarding situations in Ukraine, diplomatic efforts, which are currently ongoing by countries concerned for an early end to the prolonged combat, is important for leading to an early comprehensive ceasefire, and to the achievement of and just and lasting peace, under the solidarity of the international community.
Japan strongly condemns the advancement of the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including the engagement of North Korean troops deployed to Russia in combat against Ukraine, as well as its provision of munitions and missiles, which not only leads to further deterioration of the situation in Ukraine but also affects the security in the Indo-Pacific region.
In the Indo-Pacific region, unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force continue and are even strengthened, including in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.
Japan is also seriously concerned about North Korea's nuclear and missile activities which are funded by malicious cyber activities, including cryptocurrency thefts. Japan appreciates the understanding and cooperation from NATO member countries for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.
Japan intends to continue its efforts to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, and will continue to work closely with NATO and its member countries, Japan expects NATO to further engage in the Indo-Pacific.
The Japan-NATO relationship is stronger than ever, and Japan attaches importance to institutionalizing such relationship. As part of this effort, Japan newly appointed a dedicated ambassador to NATO in January this year. It is pleasure that a classified information sharing framework between Japan and NATO is steadily progressing. Based on the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP), Japan and NATO are advancing concrete cooperation in various fields such as cyber, defense industry, and interoperability.
Regarding cooperation between NATO and IP4, steady advancement of flagship projects is important. In February this year, Japan hosted the Japan-NATO Conference on Strategic Communications in the context of the flagship projects. Japan is determined to take the lead in the NATO-IP4 cooperation.
Japan welcomes Secretary General Rutte’s visit to Japan next week as his first visit to the Indo-Pacific region after assuming office. A strong NATO benefits Japan and the Indo-Pacific region. Taking this opportunity, Japan will make the utmost efforts to further strengthen Japan-NATO cooperation.