Japan NATO cooperation is entering a new phase as both sides agreed Tuesday to intensify collaboration on key security issues. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in The Hague to reinforce their partnership.
Their talks focused on growing global threats, including the Middle East conflict, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and North Korea’s past abductions of Japanese citizens. During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the need to elevate their alliance to “a new height.” Defense industry partnerships and broader security cooperation are now high on the agenda.
The meeting came at a critical time. The United States, which is both a NATO member and Japan’s close ally, had just launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. This move followed recent tensions between Israel and Iran. Although both sides announced a ceasefire earlier Tuesday, the region remains volatile. Russia and North Korea’s deepening military cooperation also drew concern. Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, while North Korea keeps advancing its missile and nuclear programs.
Against this backdrop, Japan NATO cooperation is becoming more urgent. NATO has recently increased its engagement with Indo-Pacific partners. These include Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. The alliance sees Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security as deeply connected. Any threat in one region can ripple across the other.
Iwaya attended the NATO summit as a substitute for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Ishiba canceled his visit due to the absence of other Indo-Pacific leaders and the unpredictable Middle East situation. Still, the Japanese government remains committed to working closely with NATO. The Foreign Ministry noted that the talks were constructive and covered a broad range of cooperation areas.
Rutte and Iwaya agreed to expand collaboration not only in defense but also in cyber, space, and technology sectors. Japan NATO cooperation now represents a key part of Japan’s foreign policy. As global threats multiply, both sides recognize the need for a stronger and more flexible alliance.
