(Press Release)
June 7, 2023
Ministry of Defense Japan
On June 7, 2023, Defense Minister Hamada and Defence Minister Jonson held a Defense Ministerial Meeting from 16:15 for 30 minutes at the Ministry of Defense.
- At the outset, Minister Hamada welcomed the visit by Minister Jonson to Japan. Minister Jonson conveyed his appreciation to Minister Hamada for his hosting the meeting.
- The two ministers exchanged their views on regional affairs. Regarding the situation in Europe, Minister Jonson introduced the policy of Sweden towards the Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Minister Hamada expressed his respect for Sweden's leadership in the field of security and defense, as the EU Presidency in the first half of 2023. Minister Hamada also stated that Japan supports Sweden’s decision to apply for NATO membership.
- At the meeting, defense cooperation and exchanges were also discussed, and the two ministers welcomed the recent increase in high-level exchanges and the progress in defense equipment and technology cooperation, such as the signing of the Agreement concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology last December, which is the first such agreement concluded between Japan and Nordic countries, and shared the view to further promote defense cooperation and exchanges.
- The two Ministers confirmed that they will continue to cooperate closely towards further deepening the Japan-Sweden relationship and realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific."
Japan-Sweden Defense Ministerial Meeting (PDF)
