(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, I attended events related to the NATO Summit for the first time by a Japanese Defense Minister, including the Defence Industry Forum and a meeting between NATO Secretary General Rutte and representatives of Indo-Pacific Partners, the IP4 countries. I also exchanged views with defense ministers and others from more than 20 countries. Secretary General Rutte stated in his keynote speech at the Defence Industry Forum that Russia is putting almost half of its national budget into the war machine, while China continues to expand its armed forces without transparency. He also noted that North Korea continues to expand its nuclear program and supply Russia. Secretary General Rutte’s remarks reflect that, through Japan’s continued efforts, NATO and Japan have a shared view on the severe situation in the Indo-Pacific, based on the recognition that the security of the Indo-Pacific and the Euro-Atlantic is inseparable. It can also be said that this is an outcome of the close cooperation between our respective defense authorities. China’s military activities, including its launch of a ballistic missile yesterday, and other activities are a serious concern for Japan and the international community. Throughout the day, my counterparts and I shared in a timely manner the recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable, and that we need to work in solidarity to ensure that unilateral changes to the status quo by force are not tolerated. Foreign Minister Motegi and I attended a meeting that brought together NATO Secretary General Rutte and the IP4 representatives. At the meeting, I stated that Europe’s efforts to support Ukraine, the biggest theme of the NATO Summit this year, are being offset by China and North Korea’s support for Russia. I conveyed that the need for NATO-IP4 cooperation has never been greater considering the trilateral cooperation among China, Russia, and North Korea, and the two sides shared this view. I also attended a working dinner of defense authority representatives and others from NATO members and the IP4 countries. I had an opportunity to make some remarks in which I reiterated to my counterparts that the security of the Indo-Pacific and the Euro-Atlantic is inseparable, and that like-minded countries must strengthen their coordination. As for bilateral meetings, first, to Minister of National Defence Güler of Türkiye, the host country, I expressed my appreciation for Türkiye’s efforts as the host of the NATO Summit. I welcomed the steady progress in defense cooperation and exchanges between Japan and Türkiye and reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening cooperation and coordination between our respective defense authorities. In the afternoon, I held meetings with Minister Jonson of Sweden and Minister Bruus of Denmark, respectively. Both were our first ministerial meetings since I assumed office as Defense Minister. We, as heads of defense, confirmed that we will enhance communication to steadily advance bilateral cooperation, including in the area of defense equipment and technology cooperation. With Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Yeşilgöz‑Zegerius of the Netherlands whom I met last month, so less than a month ago, we once again welcomed the steady progress of Japan-Netherlands defense cooperation and confirmed that we would continue to work closely together to further strengthen cooperation. In addition, I held talks with Secretary of War Hegseth of the U.S. and followed up on “Operation Supercharge” that we discussed during the Japan-U.S. defense ministerial meeting on May 30. We also exchanged views on the regional situation, including yesterday’s missile launch from a submarine by China, and confirmed to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. At the reception for defense ministers, I met with the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Defence Jarvis in person for the first time. We confirmed the progress of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and confirmed to work together closely to accelerate Japan-UK defense cooperation. Additionally, I met Canada’s Minister McGuinty again, less than two weeks since our meeting in Tokyo. I also took this opportunity to conduct candid exchanges of views with counterparts from countries such as Norway, Finland, Romania, Iceland, Germany, and France. Some I met for the first time, while others I met a few weeks or few months ago. We, as heads of defense, exchanged candid views on the regional situation and future cooperation. A short while ago, I also held a separate meeting with Minister Ahn of the Republic of Korea (ROK). And, as for something that can only happen at an international meeting, there was an opportunity for the defense ministers of Japan, the ROK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to gather together at the same place for the first time and talk with each other. Such opportunities symbolize the significance of defense minister-level IP4 representatives’ attendance at events related to the NATO Summit. Tomorrow, I will hold a meeting with Minister for Defence Industry Conroy of Australia as well as a Japan-Australia-New Zealand trilateral meeting joined by Minister of Defence Penk of New Zealand. I will also have a meeting with Italian Minister of Defence Crosetto. I will continue to attend these meetings and other events to build a firm relationship of trust with my counterparts. That concludes my lengthy opening remarks.