NATO Secretary General arrives in Japan

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has arrived in Tokyo for a three-day visit, reinforcing the Alliance’s long-standing partnership with Japan.

Starting his first official visit to East Asia as Secretary General, Mr. Stoltenberg met with security experts at a roundtable sponsored by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation on Monday morning (30 October 2017). The discussion focused on regional security challenges – particularly North Korea – and how to enhance NATO-Japan cooperation.

Later that day, the Secretary General held talks with Foreign Minister Taro Kono and Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera. Mr. Stoltenberg praised Japan’s contributions to stabilisation efforts in Afghanistan, calling them an important contribution to the fight against terrorism. He also welcomed progress in NATO-Japan cooperation, including the appointment of a Japanese Liaison Officer to NATO’s Allied Maritime Command. Mr. Stoltenberg stressed that NATO and Japan can further deepen cooperation in the areas of cyber defence and maritime security.

On Tuesday, the Secretary General will meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and visit a base of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Forces in Yokosuka. In the evening, he will deliver a speech at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.

Source: NATO

By

L. J. De Rothschild                                                                      

   Senior Editor