(Press Release: Provisional Translation)
October 18, 2024
Ministry of Defense Japan
On October 17, commencing at 19:00 (local time) for approximately 1 hour, Defense Minister Nakatani held a Defense Authorities’ Meeting among the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4: Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Republic of Korea) with Hon Judith Collins, Minister of Defense of New Zealand; Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Minister for International Development and the Pacific of Australia; and Mr Kim Seo Ho, Vice Minister, Ministry of National Defense of Republic of Korea.
Minister Nakatani stated that cooperation between NATO and IP4 is significant, as the security of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific becomes inseparable and the invitation of the IP4 to the NATO Defense Ministerial Meeting this time holds great significance.
The four sides discussed the severe security environment and situation around the region, cooperation between NATO and IP4 including the flagship projects (*) agreed upon by the NATO Summit in this July, and the future cooperation among the IP4.
The four sides concurred to continue cooperation among the IP4, in addition to cooperation through NATO.
(*) IP4-NATO flagship projects:
Projects for pursuing practical cooperation in four areas: (1) support to Ukraine, (2) Cyber Defense, (3) hostile information, including disinformation, and (4) Technology.
IP4 (Japan-Australia-New Zealand-ROK) Defense Authorities’ Meeting(PDF)