Japan, Netherlands to upgrade security, defense ties

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japan and the Netherlands on Monday decided to upgrade their bilateral security and defense ties, a joint statement said.

The decision was taken during a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his Dutch counterpart Dick Schoof in Tokyo, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry website.

Following the meeting, the two leaders announced “the Japan-Netherlands action plan 2025" based on the joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership for sustainable peace and prosperity.

The joint statement focused on strengthening defense collaboration through various initiatives, such as promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, enhancing Japan-NATO cooperation, and upgrading bilateral security and defense ties.

It emphasized exchanges in military and research fields, tackling cyber threats, and fostering economic security, including critical supply chain resilience.

The statement also highlighted the importance of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and disaster risk reduction, as well as advancing global cyber norms and cooperation in economic and technological security.