The Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, received German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Tokyo on Tuesday to discuss joint security strategies amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“The security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region is inseparable,” Kishida said. “In response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, we appreciate Germany’s efforts to increase defence spending and strengthen NATO defence capabilities, while at the same time strengthening its interest and involvement in the Indo-Pacific region,” the Prime Minister added.
The German President shared similar sentiments to Kishida, explaining that both Germany and Japan remain committed to the ‘rule-based order’ which is expressed by close political and military coordination.
“Our two countries, Germany and Japan, remain committed to this rule-based order and, therefore, we want and will protect this order together. This is also expressed not only in closer political coordination between Germany and Japan but also in the joint defence policy commitment,” Steinmeier explained.
Kishida also announced that Japan will ‘drastically strengthen its defence capability during the next five years.
The two leaders are set to meet again next Thursday for the ‘2+2 meeting’ of the Japanese and German Foreign and Defense ministers, scheduled to take place in Germany.
