(Press Release: Provisional Translation)
September 12, 2024
Ministry of Defense Japan
On September 12, commencing at 10:30 for approximately 60 minutes, Minister KIHARA held a Defense Ministerial Meeting with H.E. Mr. Antti Häkkänen, Minister of Defence of the Repblic of Finland.
- At the outset, Minister Kihara welcomed Minister Häkkänen’s visit to Japan. Minister Häkkänen conveyed his appreciation to Minister Kihara for hosting the visit.
- The two ministers exchanged views on the regional security situation and the defense policies. Minister Kihara expressed strong concerns over the launch of ballistic missiles by North Korea this morning and China’s intensifying military activities around Japan, and in particular, towards the recent intrusion of Japanese territorial airspace. The two ministers shared the view to further strengthen cooperation against unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.
- Regarding the regional situation in Europe, Minister Häkkänen explained Finland’s response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Minister Kihara expressed his support to Finland's decision to apply for membership in NATO, given the recent situation in Ukraine, and explained the situation surrounding Japan and its defense policy.
- The two ministers also welcomed the development of defense cooperation and exchanges in various fields based on the Memorandum on Japan-Finland Defense Cooperation and Exchange. They confirmed to cooperate on advancing considerations for establishment of frameworks on defense equipment transfer and information security. They also discussed other topics including defense equipment and technology cooperation, response to hybrid threats, support to Ukraine, and cooperation through Nordic countries as well as NATO and the EU.
- The Ministers concurred to work more closely together towards further deepening Japan-Finland defense cooperation and exchanges.
