Japan, Germany Agree on Security Cooperation from Peacetime

Yokosuka, Kanagawa Pref., March 22 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, on Sunday agreed to strengthen defense-related communication, starting in peacetime, to improve deterrence. At their meeting at the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Yokosuka base in Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo, the ministers shared the recognition that the security of the Indo-Pacific region and that of the Euro-Atlantic region are inseparable. The ministers affirmed cooperation among like-minded countries in addressing tensions in the Middle East. Pistorius proposed the conclusion of a reciprocal access agreement to facilitate mutual visits between the SDF and the German military. In a joint press appearance, Koizumi said, “In this challenging security environment, it is no longer feasible for a single country to respond to rapid changes alone.” Pistorius called on Iran to immediately lift its effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, saying that freedom of navigation must be guaranteed. The ministers also visited the U.S. Navy base in Yokosuka. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]