EU Signs Security Agreement With Japan

The European Union and Japan today announced the launch of a new security and defence partnership under a bilateral strategic partnership agreement. This was reported by Ukrinform.

The signing ceremony of the relevant agreement took place today in Tokyo during the visit of EU High Representative Josep Borrell to Japan.

‘I am very happy to be here again in Tokyo for the first Strategic Dialogue under the recently ratified EU-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement. Today we are opening a new chapter in our relationship. It is not about trade or the economy, it is about security and defence. I am delighted to announce, together with Minister Iwaya (Takeshi Iwaya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan - ed.), the conclusion of this Agreement on Security and Defence Partnership between the European Union and Japan,’ said Josep Borrell.

He stressed that in today's dangerous world, where rivalries are growing, climate disasters are becoming more frequent and the threat of war is emerging, the only way to counter such challenges is through partnership between friends. For the European Union, Japan is its closest partner in the Indo-Pacific region, and their bilateral relations have never been stronger, but they can now be further improved, Borrell said.

‘This is the first agreement (on security and defence partnership - ed.) that we have signed with countries in the Indo-Pacific region. This is so important because we are fully aware that the Indo-Pacific is the theatre (of operations - ed.) where the history of mankind will be written over this century,’ the EU High Representative said.

According to him, the agreement is a historic achievement and a very timely step, given the developments in both regions. It creates a political environment and provides the parties with the ability to respond to emerging threats together and work together for a future where the values of democracy, human rights and a rules-based international order will be the way forward.

This week, EU High Representative Josep Borrell is visiting Japan and South Korea to discuss with each country the development of bilateral cooperation and strengthening of defence and security ties, including the international situation following the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia to take part in Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine.