(Press Release: Provisional Translation)
June 16, 2026
Ministry of Defense Japan
On June 16, commencing at 15:00 for approximately 30 minutes, Minister KOIZUMI held a Defense Ministerial Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Netherlands, H.E. Ms. Dilan Yeşilgöz‑Zegerius, in Tokyo.
- At the outset, Minister Koizumi welcomed the port call of Royal Netherlands Navy frigate, HNLMS De Ruyter, to Tokyo, as it demonstrates the Netherlands’ engagement to the Indo-Pacific region in a tangible manner, and contributes to further strengthening of Japan-Netherlands defense cooperation.
- In addition, Minister Koizumi expressed his expectation for the Netherlands’ engagement to the Indo-Pacific region, including through the continued deployment of vessels and aircraft, so that close cooperation between both countries will serve as a strong deterrence in the region.
- Both Ministers exchanged their views on bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges including joint exercises, as well as regional affairs, and confirmed that they would continue closely working together to further strengthen bilateral defense cooperation, based on the recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable. In addition, both Ministers confirmed the importance of early entry into force of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between Japan and the Netherlands.
- Minister Koizumi welcomed Minister Yeşilgöz‑Zegerius’s interest in establishment of defense equipment and technology transfer agreement and other legal framework, as a part of efforts to deepen bilateral defense cooperation in the future.
- Minister Koizumi also proposed the acceptance of short-term students from the Dutch Armed Forces to the National Defense Academy of Japan, to which Minister Yesilgöz-Zegerius indicated a willingness to consider the proposal positively.
Japan-Netherlands Defense Ministerial Meeting (PDF)