Closer defence cooperation between New Zealand and Japan

The Defence Ministers of New Zealand and Japan have signed an announcement of intent for nearer defence cooperation between the 2 Pacific regional companions.

Andrew Little and H. E. Yasukazu Hamada met to signal the ‘Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation in Maritime Security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and Climate Change within the Pacific Islands Region‘ on the twentieth Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

The assertion is the end result of greater than two years of discussions together with session with Pacific companions to make sure alignment with Pacific priorities. It means a renewed dedication to cooperation between New Zealand and Japan based mostly on shared pursuits and targets underpinned by the nations’ Strategic Cooperative Partnership. 

“This is a significant step towards stronger defence cooperation between New Zealand and Japan, and a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Pacific region.

“As outlined within the 2021 Defence Assessment, our collective efforts to help Pacific companions are best when they’re coherent, complementary, and acceptable for the area.

“New Zealand and Japan’s emergency response with international partners to the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano in January 2022 demonstrated our mutual focus on what is important to Pacific partners. It reinforced the value in us finding opportunities to further strengthen our relationship and working together in a more coordinated and collaborative way.

“Both nations acknowledge the ‘2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent‘ being developed by the Pacific Islands Forum as a long-term technique for the Pacific area. That technique can be used as a information for New Zealand and Japan to work collectively in help of Pacific priorities.

“Now we will both look to strengthen collaboration with Pacific partners and regional institutions on priority areas of cooperation including maritime security, humanitarian and disaster relief, and climate change,” Andrew Little stated.

The Shangri-La assembly in Singapore was additionally a possibility for New Zealand and Japan to alternate views on regional safety points.

The Statement of Intent and proposed precedence areas of cooperation can be reviewed yearly by defence officers.

Source: Beehive