Press conference

Prime Minister,
Thank you for your warm welcome to your beautiful country. 

Japan is one of NATO’s most valued partners, and today, we just had a very good discussion on how we can boost our cooperation even more.
We agreed a joint statement which sets out our vision on how to further strengthen our cooperation.
This is crucial, especially at this pivotal time for security and stability – both in the Euro-Atlantic and indeed, as you said, in close connection with the Indo-Pacific. 
Russia continues to wage war against Ukraine and its economy is on war footing.  And has not given up its ambitions to reshape European security. 
Meanwhile, China is pursuing a major military build-up, and seeks to control key technologies, critical infrastructure, and supply chains. It continues to carry out destabilising activities in the Indo-Pacific. 
And indeed, we also see North Korean troops and weapons being used against Ukraine – in return for Russia’s support to North Korea’s illegal weapons programmes. 

In a more dangerous world, NATO and Japan stand strong, to protect our values, our freedom and the peace.
Together, we support Ukraine. 
Because the outcome of this war matters not only for European security, but also for global stability.

Japan has imposed sanctions against Russia. 
You have signed a security agreement with Ukraine.
And you have contributed substantially to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package Trust Fund for Ukraine.
I very much welcome all of this. And I appreciate your willingness to participate in the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, which helps Ukraine fight today, but also for Ukraine to build up its armed forces for tomorrow. 

I also very much welcome Japan’s plan to invest 2% of its GDP in defence by 2027 and your continued investments in in your armed forces. 
This will make Japan’s already capable forces even stronger. 

Prime Minister,
Thank you very much again for a productive discussion.
I look forward to maintaining our regular dialogue and to boosting our cooperation – including on cyber defence cooperation, maritime security, and defence industrial cooperation.  
I know we’ll be safer working together.
So again, thank you very much.