On September 12, Japan’s Defense Minister Minoru Kihara met with Minister of Defence, Finland Antti Häkkänen, in Tokyo. The meeting focused on enhancing defense cooperation between the two nations. It also addressed growing concerns over regional security in both Europe and Asia.
Addressing Regional Security Threats
Minister Kihara welcomed Minister Häkkänen to Japan. They talked about big security problems in their regions. Kihara was worried about North Korea’s missile launch that happened that morning. He also talked about China’s military actions near Japan, especially when they entered Japan’s airspace.
Häkkänen explained how Finland is dealing with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He said the world needs to work together more. Both ministers agreed it’s important to stop countries from using force to change things.
Support for NATO and Cooperation on Defense
Minister Kihara expressed Japan’s strong support for Finland’s decision to join NATO. This move comes in response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Finland’s NATO membership strengthens security in Europe and is viewed as a positive development in Japan.
The two leaders also discussed Japan’s defense policy. Kihara explained Japan’s focus on regional stability and how it aligns with Finland’s defense strategy. The meeting highlighted shared concerns over global security and how each nation’s defense strategies complement the other.
Expanding Defense Cooperation
The ministers discussed the progress made since signing the Memorandum on Japan-Finland Defense Cooperation and Exchange. Both countries have already developed ties in various defense fields. Kihara and Häkkänen agreed that cooperation should be expanded further, particularly in defense technology, hybrid threat responses, and equipment transfers.
They also talked about the importance of information security and the need to develop frameworks for defense equipment transfer. This framework would enhance both nations’ abilities to protect shared information and defense assets.
Growing Military and Technological Ties
Japan and Finland are looking to work together on defense technology. Both countries want to help Ukraine in its fight against Russia. They believe that sharing defense technology is important for being prepared and dealing with modern threats.
The ministers also talked about dealing with “hybrid threats.” These are things like cyberattacks, fake news, and other new kinds of challenges that aren’t traditional warfare. Japan and Finland want to get better at handling these issues by teaming up.
Cooperation with Nordic Countries, NATO, and the EU
Finland’s location in Northern Europe makes it an important player in regional security. During the meeting, Minister Häkkänen emphasized the need for closer cooperation between Finland, Japan, and other Nordic countries. This includes working with NATO and the European Union to strengthen regional and global security.
Minister Kihara agreed, noting that Japan is eager to work with both NATO and the EU on defense matters. This collaboration would help address common challenges, particularly those posed by Russia, China, and North Korea.
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership
Both ministers ended the meeting by promising to strengthen defense cooperation. Japan and Finland know that security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are connected. By working together, they can handle global challenges better and keep their people safe.
Minister Kihara and Minister Häkkänen were hopeful about the future of Japan-Finland defense relations. They agreed to talk more about sharing defense equipment, protecting information, and working on technology. Both leaders believe this partnership will help both countries and make the world more stable.