Japan ready to explore more cooperation with Türkiye based on the strategic partnership achieved two years ago, says official
By Burak Bir
MUNICH (AA) – Japan has raised concerns over the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, emphasizing that security in Europe and Asia is “closely linked and inseparable.”
In an interview with Anadolu, Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Toshihiro Kitamura warned that North Korea's reported decision to send troops to Ukraine could further escalate the ongoing conflict.
“The security of both continents is closely linked and inseparable. We are worried about the military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK,” Kitamura said, referring to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name.
“By sending troops from North Korea to Ukraine, that may lead to a deterioration of the situation in Ukraine,” he added.
Kitamura also voiced concern over the exchange of military technology between the two nations.
While Russia has been using weapons and ammunition supplied by North Korea, Japan fears that Moscow may reciprocate by providing Pyongyang with advanced technology that could potentially aid its nuclear and missile programs.
“We are worried about this kind of cooperation between the two countries,” he said.
Kitamura noted that Japan has been actively strengthening its security partnerships beyond its immediate region, deepening cooperation with Western countries and NATO allies. He highlighted the Individually Tailored Partnership Program (ITPP) with NATO, which was adopted two years ago to enhance collaboration in key areas such as cybersecurity.
“We believe that the security of the North Atlantic and Europe and the security of Asia are inseparable. That is why we try to cooperate with Europe and other members of the international community in order to address these Ukrainian issues," he said.
He further stressed the importance of NATO as a key partner for Japan, emphasizing their shared commitment to democracy and freedom.
“Just this month, we held a Japan-NATO conference on strategic communications in Tokyo,” he noted.
Also, at the recent NATO Summit in Washington, Japan reaffirmed its participation in the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4), a group comprising Japan, Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand, he added.
Since Japan views regional security as interconnected, Kitamura reiterated that it will continue working alongside G7 countries and other allies to support Ukraine.
“The most important thing is to stop the fighting on the ground and establish peace and stability in Ukraine,” he said.
- Deep-rooted ties between Japan and Türkiye
Turning to bilateral relations, Kitamura said Japan and Türkiye marked the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024, but their cooperation dates back much further – most notably to the tragedy of the Ertugrul Frigate.
In response to a visit by Japanese Prince Komatsu Akihito to Istanbul in October 1887, the Ottoman Empire sent the Ertugrul on a goodwill mission to Japan in 1889. However, tragedy struck on its return journey in 1890 when the frigate was caught in a typhoon and ran aground off the coast of Kushimoto in Japan's Wakayama prefecture. More than 500 Ottoman sailors perished, with only 69 survivors.
“Since then, we have continued to maintain good relations between the two countries,” Kitamura said, highlighting areas of cooperation such as disaster relief and climate change.
Japan has been actively supporting Türkiye in times of need, particularly following the devastating twin earthquakes of February 6, 2023.
Kitamura emphasized that this kind of mutual support strengthens their bilateral ties.
“Of course, there are plenty of areas of cooperation between the two countries … We elevated our partnership to a strategic partnership two years ago, so based on that strategic partnership, we would like to explore cooperation between the two countries,” he said.
As a key player in global peace efforts, Japan has also been contributing to stability in the Middle East, said Kitamura, noting that Japan has provided $230 million in aid for Gaza.
“This kind of mutual cooperation is quite important. So, we also expect Türkiye to play a role in the Asia region in order to secure the peace and stability of the Asian and Pacific region,” he said.
