Press Releases
Meeting between Foreign Minister Hayashi and NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg
February 1, 2023
On February 1, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, during his visit to Japan, for approximately 25 minutes from 0:15 p.m. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Minister Hayashi welcomed the Secretary General’s visit to Japan at a historical inflection point and stated that it is extremely valuable to confirm the cooperation between Japan and NATO and extend a strong message. Minister Hayashi mentioned that Japan assumes the G7 Presidency and serves as a non-permanent member on the UN Security Council this year, and expressed that he would like to cooperate with NATO, with whom Japan shares fundamental values.
- Secretary General Stoltenberg stated that he is grateful to visit Japan, and expressed his willingness to further enhance the Japan-NATO cooperation in various fields as partners that share fundamental values.
- Both sides agreed that it is important that like-minded countries remain united to continue sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine as response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Both sides also exchanged views on the regional issues in the Indo-Pacific and agreed on working closely between Japan and NATO.