Secretary General: NATO stands in solidarity with Asia-Pacific region
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrapped up a three-day visit to Japan on Tuesday (31 October 2017), with a speech at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo. Mr. Stoltenberg stressed that North Korea’s destabilising behaviour poses a threat to international peace and security, and that NATO stands in solidarity with its partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
“This is the time for the international community to convey a clear, united and strong response,” said the Secretary General. He called on all nations to fully and transparently implement UN sanctions, noting that pressure on Pyongyang is key to achieving a peaceful solution to the crisis on the Korean peninsula.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Secretary General met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to discuss the Alliance’s cooperation with Japan and common security challenges. Prime Minister Abe and the Secretary General agreed to develop a new programme of cooperation, to advance joint work in the areas of cyber defence, maritime security, nuclear non-proliferation and fighting terrorism.
Also on Tuesday, Mr. Stoltenberg visited a base of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Forces in Yokosuka, where he toured the JS Teruzuki destroyer.