Japan, NATO agree to work closer, sign partnership program

Japan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization agreed Tuesday in Brussels to work more closely and extensively in areas such as maritime security and cyber defense and humanitarian operations.

After their talks at the NATO headquarters, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and NATO Secretary General Anders Rasmussen signed a roadmap, called the Individual Partnership and Cooperation Program, detailing areas of focus for bilateral cooperation.

At a joint press conference following their meeting, Abe said, "With security in Asia and Europe closely intertwined, we have shared the recognition that cooperation is important for Japan and NATO, which uphold common basic values such as rule of law."
[kyodonews.jp]
6/5/14