General

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held talks with the leaders of South Korea, Australia and New Zealand in Madrid, Spain on June 29, confirming that they will continue to communicate closely for the sake of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This is the first meeting of the leaders of the four countries, chaired by Kishida.

The four heads of state condemned "Russia's aggression against Ukraine". In addition, based on the understanding that the security guarantees of the Indo-Pacific and Europe are inseparable, it has been agreed to promote cooperation with NATO while the four countries cooperate. South Korean President Yoon Seok-wyeh, Australian Prime Minister Albanese, and New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern attended the talks. All four countries were invited to participate in the NATO summit as partner countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attended the NATO summit held in Madrid, Spain on the afternoon of the 29th local time. This is also the first time a Japanese prime minister has attended the summit.

Kishida said at the summit that Japan intends to regularly participate in NATO Council meetings. In addition, he also said that he will promote the dispatch of self-defense officers to NATO headquarters and participate in NATO military exercises as an observer country. Kishida also said that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable, and welcomed NATO's increased participation in Asia. Kyodo News said Kishida's remarks were aimed at Russia's "invasion" of Ukraine and China's so-called "hegemonism".

Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand were invited to participate in this NATO summit as "Asia-Pacific partners". Kishida also said at the summit that "(these four countries) should be promoted to regularly participate in the North Atlantic Council meetings."

Kishida also stated that he would fundamentally improve the "Individual Partnership Program" concluded between Japan and NATO during the Abe period. He hopes to advance cooperation with NATO in areas such as cyber, emerging technologies, and maritime security.