In Tokyo, Gantz signs defense cooperation deal with Japan

Defense Minister Benny Gantz and his Japanese counterpart have signed an agreement to step up cooperation in military equipment and technology, as the countries mark 70 years of ties.

Gantz tells a joint news conference after meeting with Yasukazu Hamada in Japan that strengthened defense cooperation “will elevate the 70 years of excellent ties between our countries to the strategic level.”

Their cooperation in broader areas from defense technology to information sharing and military-to-military activities “will strengthen the defense capability of each country as well as our joint contribution to peace and stability in our regions and all over the world,” he adds.

Hamada says he welcomes stronger military ties with Israel as a way to achieve a “free and open Indo-Pacific” vision advocated by Japan and the United States to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

Peace and stability in the Middle East would also help Japan’s peace and prosperity, he adds.