Press Releases

1. H.E. Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary General, will visit Japan from April 13 to 16 as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
2. H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, is scheduled to host a meeting and dinner with the Secretary General. The Secretary General will also pay a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, have discussions with diet members related to security issues and others, and hold a press conference at the Japan National Press Club.
3. Secretary General Rasmussen's visit to Japan is expected to further strengthen the relations between Japan and NATO, and give both sides opportunities to deepen understanding on major challenges concerning the global security environment.

*The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was established to defend Western Europe in 1949 and was composed of 12 countries. At present, NATO has expanded its membership to 28 countries from North America and Europe. Against the backdrop of the change in the international security environment, especially after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, NATO has changed its roles and strengthened efforts for achieving international peace and stability. Japan is one of NATO's partners across the globe, together with the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mongolia, and Pakistan.