Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius discussed the possibility of signing an agreement to facilitate joint military exercises in their countries, following the escalation of violence in the Middle East. Pistorius revealed that he proposed the signing of a "Facilitation Agreement" for the movement of troops from both countries for joint training, according to Kyodo news agency. Koizumi, for his part, stated that "it is no longer possible for a single country to respond alone to the rapid evolution of the situation in this complex security environment.
" He also added that the close cooperation between like-minded nations such as Japan and Germany "is greater than ever. " The German Ministry of Defense indicated in a press release that cooperation between their armed forces will "significantly intensify, not only in times of crisis," in order to "be prepared for the future. " "North Korea represents a growing threat.
North Korea supports Russia in its war against Ukraine, which violates international law. Therefore, it is gaining combat experience, which increases the threat to Japan," he warned. In this regard, both considered it of "utmost importance" to strengthen cooperation between Tokyo and Berlin in order to "reinforce regional deterrence.
" Koizumi received Pistorius on Sunday and they visited the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force base located in the Japanese city of Yokosuka.