North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Meeting between Foreign Minister Iwaya and NATO Secretary General Rutte
April 3, 2025
On April 3, commencing at 3:20 p.m. local time (10:20 PM Japan time), for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), during his visit to the Kingdom of Belgium to attend the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Foreign Minister Iwaya expressed his gratitude for the invitation to the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs for four consecutive years. Minister Iwaya stated that it is our shared recognition that the security of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable, and expressed his expectation for further elevating the relationship between Japan and NATO, to work together on Russia's aggression against Ukraine and security challenges across the regions. In response, Secretary General Rutte welcomed Minister Iwaya's attendance at the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs and stated that the relations between NATO and IP4, particularly Japan, had been developing rapidly.
- Minister Iwaya also welcomed the upcoming visit of NATO Secretary General Rutte to Japan next week, noting that it will be his first visit to the Indo-Pacific region after taking office last October. Secretary General Rutte also stated that he looked forward to discussing further strengthening of the Japan-NATO cooperation including in defense industry area, during his visit to Japan.
- In addition, both sides also exchanged views on regional and international situations, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, as well as situations in East Asia, such as their policies towards North Korea, and concurred to cooperate with like-minded countries, including NATO. In response, Secretary General Rutte also expressed his gratitude for Japan's support for Ukraine.