TOKYO (AP) — Japanese and NATO officials agreed Tuesday to step up military cooperation and joint exercises as they shared concerns that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is causing a deterioration of the security environment in Europe and Asia. Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said at the beginning of his meeting with NATO Military Committee chief Rob Bauer that Japan hopes to strengthen its ties with European countries and welcomes NATO’s expanded involvement in the Indo-Pacific region. “The security of Europe and Asia are closely intertwined, especially now with the international community facing serious challenges,” Kishi said. Kishida, during a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden last month, expressed his determination to bolster Japan’s defense capability and spending. In May, Japanese Military Chief of Staff Koji Yamazaki joined a meeting of NATO counterparts in Belgium for the first time.

Source: thestar June 07, 2022 23:00 UTC