Japanese Defense Minister discusses cooperation with NATO

Japanese Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma visited the NATO Headquarters on Friday, aiming to deepen cooperation between Japan and the global top military alliance.

According to NATO's website, Kyuma met with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, and they discussed a wide range of security issues relevant to NATO and Japan, including the Alliance 's transformation and NATO's ISAF operation in Afghanistan.

"They agreed that Japan and NATO should continue working together to meet common objectives," said the press release issued by the NATO headquarters.

The NATO chief thanked Kyuma for Japan's contribution to the Alliance's stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and in particular for Japan's readiness to provide humanitarian assistance in support of NATO-led Provincial Reconstruction Teams, said the press release.

Japan is the country in Asia with which NATO has the longest- standing relationship. In recent years, the two have deepened their relations. Earlier this year, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a historic visit to the NATO headquarters.

Source: Xinhua