Japan and Sweden have taken a step in bolstering defense cooperation, focusing on defense equipment and technology. This decision comes in response to the increasingly severe security challenges faced by both nations.
During a meeting in Stockholm, Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara expressed Tokyo’s support for Sweden’s strategic decision to join NATO. Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson welcomed Japan’s backing, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the current geopolitical climate.
Sweden’s official NATO membership in March, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, underscores its commitment to collective security and marks a departure from traditional nonalignment.
The defense ministers also pledged to deepen bilateral relations through joint support for Ukraine and increased high-level exchanges between defense officials. This commitment reflects a shared understanding of the interconnectedness of global security, with both ministers agreeing that the security of the Indo-Pacific region and Europe is indivisible.
Japan has been actively strengthening ties with NATO, particularly as China’s military activities intensify and the conflict in Ukraine continues. This strategic alignment is part of Japan’s broader effort to ensure regional stability and enhance defense capabilities through international partnerships.
Prior to his visit to Sweden, Minister Kihara met with counterparts from Britain and Italy in London. The trio reaffirmed their strong commitment to a trilateral program aimed at developing a next-generation fighter jet by 2035, further showcasing Japan’s proactive stance in international defense collaboration.
BUSINESS GENERAL | Global Sports Goods Trade Triples to $64B Over 30 Years: WTO Report
