During the NATO summit on Wednesday (July 10), Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. The two leaders unanimously agreed that the deepening relationship between North Korea and Russia poses a serious threat, and the security challenges faced by Asia and Europe are becoming increasingly inseparable.
Japanese officials stated that both leaders confirmed during the meeting that given the growing complexity and broader impact of regional issues, Japan and South Korea will strengthen cooperation with the United States, NATO, and Indo-Pacific partners.
Kishida told Yoon, “Given the current international situation, it is crucial for the leaders of Japan and South Korea to establish a strong relationship of trust and consensus on strategic issues, engaging in discussions and close cooperation with each other holds great significance.”
Yoon mentioned that the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between North Korea and Russia last month has enhanced military and economic cooperation, triggering security concerns not only in East Asia but globally.
Yoon emphasized that the close cooperation between North Korea and Russia highlights the importance of cooperation among the United States, Japan, and South Korea. He hoped that both South Korea and Japan could maintain close collaboration with NATO member countries and allies, jointly emphasizing the inseparable security of the North Atlantic and Northeast Asia.
Last month, Russian President Putin made his first official visit to North Korea in 24 years and signed the agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, which included mutual assistance clauses in case of attacks.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang has significantly deepened. Western officials stated that North Korea has provided missiles and other weapons to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that Kishida and Yoon’s last meeting was held in Seoul in May this year, and both sides agreed to maintain close communication, aiming for a successful celebration of the 60th anniversary of normalizing diplomatic relations between the two countries next year.
The meeting between the two lasted about 35 minutes.
This summit marks the 75th anniversary of NATO’s establishment, with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand once again invited as the four Indo-Pacific cooperation partners of NATO.
NATO, with its 32 member countries, is the world’s largest military alliance. Facing security challenges posed by authoritarian states such as China and Russia, NATO and these four countries have been strengthening dialogue and cooperation.
On Wednesday, Fumio Kishida also held talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Sweden joined NATO in March this year, becoming the alliance’s newest member.
The Swedish Foreign Ministry stated that Kishida and Kristersson discussed how to address the Russia-Ukraine war and issues related to North Korea, and agreed to enhance cooperation not only on security issues but also in economic, technological, and academic fields.
Japanese officials mentioned that Fumio Kishida will stay in Washington, D.C. until Thursday. Before heading to Germany, he will hold talks with the new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
(This article is partly based on reports from the Korean News Agency and Kyodo News)