Press Releases

On April 15, commencing from 7:45 p.m. for around one hour and 40 minutes, H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a meeting and dinner with H.E. Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary General, during his working visit to Japan upon invitation by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The overview of the meeting is as follows:

1. Japan-NATO relations

   (1) At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Kishida welcomed Secretary General Rasmussen to Japan and said his visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen relations between Japan and NATO, which share fundamental values. Following that, Minister Kishida referred to the appointment of H.E. Mr. Mitsuo Sakaba, Japanese Ambassador to Belgium as Representative of the Government of Japan to NATO as of April 15, and said he wants to promote cooperation through initiatives such as the establishment of a joint study group in the fields of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

   (2) In response, Secretary General Rasmussen endorsed further enhancing practical cooperation and policy dialogue with Japan, a partner country, via a joint study group, and welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Sakaba as Representative of the Government of Japan to NATO as a sign of stronger relationship between Japan and NATO.

2. Global security challenges

   (1) Minister Kishida said he wants to strengthen Japan-NATO cooperation in response to emerging challenges such as cyber defense, which has grown increasingly serious in recent years, and in such field as maritime security. Secretary General Rasmussen replied that he wants to pursue further cooperation with Japan in such field as cyber security and counter terrorism. With regard to maritime security, he noted that the Japan Self-Defense Forces and NATO are already in cooperation and have achieved results in anti-piracy measures off the coast of Somalia, but said he wants to explore further cooperation.

   (2) Minister Kishida also commented on NATO's role in supporting Afghanistan, and Secretary General Rasmussen appreciated Japan for supporting the reconstruction in Afghanistan and expressed his gratitude to Japan for continuing its contribution after the withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

3. Regional issues

   (1) Minister Kishida touched on the Asia-Pacific situation, and said North Korea's repeated provocative words and actions are extremely regrettable, and the international community needs to steadfastly implement measures based on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2094. He praised a statement by the Secretary General condemning a missile launch in December last year, and a statement by the North Atlantic Council (NAC) condemning a nuclear test in February this year. Secretary General Rasmussen expressed strong concerns about the threat posed by North Korea's increasingly provocative stance to peace and stability of the international community.

   (2) In addition, Minister Kishida and Secretary General Rasmussen exchanged views on regional issues, including China, and NATO's missile defense policies.