NHK has learned that arrangements are being made for about 30 NATO member-state ambassadors to visit Japan this month.
Multiple NATO sources say ambassadors from almost all member states will join the delegation, making the scale of the visit unprecedented.
The delegation is expected to meet with Japanese Cabinet ministers and exchange views on issues such as how to deal with China, which has been strengthening military ties with Russia amid the latter’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The ambassadors will meet with Japanese businesspeople to seek cooperation in the defense industry field as European nations increase defense spending. They are also scheduled to visit a US base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo.
The delegation will also travel to South Korea in an apparent effort to boost ties with the Indo-Pacific region amid China’s military buildup.
A NATO source told NHK that the envoys are interested in how Japan deals with various US demands while maintaining good bilateral relations.
At a time when US President Donald Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with NATO, the organization appears eager to find ways to keep the US engaged.
AloJapan.com