Japan, Germany defense ministers discuss potential new pact to deepen ties

YOKOSUKA — The defense ministers of Japan and Germany on Sunday underlined the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation, including via a potential new agreement to make joint exercises smoother and more effective.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi hosted his German counterpart Boris Pistorius in his hometown of Yokosuka near Tokyo, highlighting the close ties between the two countries.

"The importance of close coordination between like-minded nations like Japan and Germany is greater than ever," Koizumi said during a joint press appearance following their meeting at a Maritime Self-Defense Force base.

Pistorius revealed that he proposed the signing of a bilateral reciprocal access agreement to allow their troops to conduct activities on each other's soil more easily.

Japan and Germany have been deepening security cooperation, especially as Russia's war in Ukraine has reinforced the view that the security of the Indo-Pacific and that of Europe is inseparable.

The two ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East and the possibility of further cooperation in defense procurement.

Koizumi said they agreed to continue discussions as needed to ensure regional peace and security.

In a written interview with Kyodo News ahead of his visit, Pistorius expressed his willingness to explore a new defense agreement with Japan and voiced concern about the situation in the Persian Gulf.

© KYODO