Japan has no plans to join NATO, and the decision to open a representative office of the North Atlantic Alliance in the country has not yet been made, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said while answering questions from deputies during the plenary session of the upper house of parliament, Report informs.
“Japan has no plans to join NATO either as a permanent or as an associate member,” he said. Touching upon the possibility of opening a representative office of the alliance in Japan, the head of government noted that this topic is being discussed, but ‘no decisions have been made so far.’
At the same time, he stressed that his country would continue to strengthen cooperation with NATO member states and their allies in view of the difficult challenges that the international world order is now facing.
Earlier, local media reported that the alliance intends to open a representative office in Tokyo next year. It was noted that it would serve as a liaison office through which NATO countries and Japan would be able to consult on various issues. It is expected that other allies of the alliance in the region, in particular Australia, New Zealand and South Korea, will be able to take part in such discussions. Such a decision can be approved before the next NATO summit, which is to be held June 11-12 in Lithuania.