Japan, NATO agree on further cooperation

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have agreed to step up cooperation between their two sides in defense and other areas. In talks in Tokyo on Wednesday, Ishiba told Rutte the need for security cooperation among NATO and Indo-Pacific partners, including Japan, has increased even further. 

He also said Japan would like to cooperate with NATO to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. 

Rutte said he hopes to further strengthen Japan-NATO cooperation. They shared the view that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and that of the Indo-Pacific are interconnected. 

At a joint news conference, Ishiba said a strong NATO benefits Japan. He also said he hopes to elevate Japan-NATO cooperation to a new height.