Brussels, Belgium: NATO Secretary General Mark Ruttewelcomed Japan’s Minister of Defence Shinjirō Koizumi to NATO Headquarters in Brussels on 22 July 2026, where the two leaders held talks on the evolving global security landscape, defence industrial cooperation, and continued support for Ukraine.
During the meeting, Secretary General Rutte reaffirmed the importance of NATO’s strategic partnership with Japan, highlighting the growing links between security in the Euro-Atlantic region and the Indo-Pacific. He emphasized that challenges in one region increasingly have implications for the other, making closer cooperation essential.
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The discussions also focused on strengthening defence industrial collaboration between NATO and Japan, including opportunities to enhance resilience, innovation, and interoperability in response to emerging security threats.
Both leaders exchanged views on Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and reiterated the importance of sustained international support for Ukraine’s defence and long-term security.
The meeting reflects NATO’s continued efforts to deepen cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners, including Japan, as the Alliance works to address shared global security challenges and promote stability across regions.
