(Press Release: Provisional Translation)
July 25, 2024
Ministry of Defense Japan
On July 25, 2024, commencing at 10:00 (local time) for approximately 75 minutes, Minister KIHARA held a Defense Ministerial Meeting with Minister for Defence of the Kingdom of Sweden, H.E. Dr. Pål JONSON at Stockholm.
- At the outset, Minister JONSON welcomed the visit by Minister KIHARA to Sweden. Minister KIHARA conveyed his appreciation to Minister JONSON for his hosting the visit.
- 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 KIHARA introduced the situation surrounding Japan and stated that Japan supports Sweden’s major strategic decision, given that Sweden formally joined NATO in March of this year.
- The meeting also included a discussion on defense cooperation and exchanges, and the two ministers shared the view to further promote defense cooperation and exchanges including the recent increase in high-level exchanges, defense equipment and technology cooperation and support for Ukraine and cooperation through NATO.
- The two ministers concurred to continue to work closely together towards further deepening Japan-Sweden cooperation.