Tokyo: Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his European Union (EU) counterpart Josep Borrell agreed on Friday to enhance defense cooperation and exchanges between Japan and the EU, as announced by Japan’s Defense Ministry. During their meeting in Tokyo, discussions focused on deepening security collaboration in various domains, including maritime security, cyber, space, and hybrid threats, within the framework of the Japan-EU Security and Defense Partnership.

According to Kuwait News Agency, both ministers expressed strong condemnation of North Korea’s recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) toward the Sea of Japan. The missile traveled 1,001.2 km, reaching a maximum altitude of 7,687.5 km before landing in the sea. Nakatani highlighted the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia as significant challenges to the international community. Borrell echoed these concerns, affirming the EU’s shared stance with Japan and strongly condemning the missile launch.