(MENAFN) Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi underscored the growing strategic alignment between her country and NATO during her first telephone conversation with Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday. According to general statements, she highlighted that “the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable.”

The discussion marked her initial exchange with Rutte since assuming office in October and came as Japan and NATO continue to deepen their partnership. Takaichi reiterated that “the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable and cooperation between Japan-NATO and NATO-IP4 (Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea) is strategically important.”

Reports noted that Rutte agreed with her assessment, with both leaders sharing the intention to broaden and strengthen collaborative efforts. The statement said he “supported such views, and both leaders concurred on working together to elevate our cooperative relationship to new heights through concrete cooperation.”

Their conversation also touched on the conflict in Ukraine as well as developments across the Indo-Pacific. Both sides affirmed they would “continue to cooperate in addressing security challenges across regions.”

The call builds on momentum from 2023, when Japan and NATO finalized a wide-ranging framework to expand cooperation in sixteen fields, including maritime security, space, cybersecurity, and countering disinformation. Earlier this year, Japan formalized its diplomatic presence to the alliance by establishing a dedicated Mission to NATO in Brussels, separating it from its embassy functions in Belgium.

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