On July 25, 2024, Defense Minister of Japan Minoru Kihara and Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson met in Stockholm. This meet was to boost defense cooperation between their countries. This meeting came at a time of increasing global security challenges and marked a significant step in their partnership.
Support for NATO Membership
During the talks, Minister Kihara showed Japan’s strong support for Sweden joining NATO. Sweden became a NATO member in March 2024, leaving its old policy of staying neutral. This decision came after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, which raised security worries in Europe.
Kihara’s support for Sweden joining NATO is part of a bigger plan to strengthen ties with NATO allies. As global tensions rise, Sweden’s NATO membership is seen as a smart move to boost security in Europe.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The meeting between Kihara and Jonson was not just about supporting NATO. They also discussed ways to deepen their bilateral defense relationship. The two ministers agreed to increase cooperation in several areas:
1. Defense Equipment and Technology: They plan to collaborate more closely on developing and sharing defense technology. This cooperation aims to improve their defense capabilities. This will ensure they are ready for future challenges.
2. Support for Ukraine: Both countries are committed to helping Ukraine fight against Russian aggression. They will work together to support Ukraine’s defense efforts through various means. This would include military aid and strategic assistance.
3. High-Level Exchanges: Kihara and Jonson agreed to enhance high-level exchanges between their defense officials. These exchanges are crucial for building trust and understanding between their countries’. And also building defense systems and strategies among them.
Regional and Global Security
Japan and Sweden see security in the Indo-Pacific region and Europe as connected. They believe these areas affect each other. Japan is working more with NATO to handle threats from China and the ongoing conflicts in Europe, like the war in Ukraine.
Japan and Sweden are teaming up to make global security stronger. Their partnership helps them tackle big global threats and improve their defense together.
Trilateral Fighter Jet Program
Before going to Sweden, Minister Kihara met with defense officials from Britain and Italy in London. They talked about their plan to develop a new fighter jet by 2035. This project is important for improving aerospace technology and defense.
Summary of the Meeting
The meeting between Japan and Sweden’s defense ministers in Stockholm was a big deal for their defense partnership. Minister Jonson was happy to meet Minister Kihara and liked their talks on defense. They agreed to keep working together to strengthen their relationship.
They talked about regional issues, especially Europe’s security and Russia’s actions. Both leaders promised to help Ukraine and boost defense cooperation through NATO.
Looking Ahead
The meeting between Kihara and Jonson marks a new phase in Japan-Sweden defense relations. The focus of the meeting was on defense technology, support for Ukraine. They will also focus on more high-level meetings to tackle current and future security problems. As global tensions grow, the stronger partnership between Japan and Sweden will be very important. It will help keep things stable and boost defense in their regions and beyond.