Defense and Foreign Affairs: French and Japanese ministers want to strengthen military cooperation

Politics International

02/04/2026

The Japanese and French governments agreed on Wednesday to strengthen their defense cooperation, stating that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable in a context of deteriorating global security environment.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Motegi Toshimitsu, and the Minister of Defense, Koizumi Shinjirō, met in Tokyo with their French counterparts. “It is essential to strengthen our diplomatic and military cooperation,” said Motegi during this “2 + 2” meeting.

The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, emphasized that the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries is an urgent priority.

The four ministers welcomed the visits of French navy ships to Japan and the strengthening of military cooperation through joint exercises between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the French armed forces. They also agreed to continue their collaboration in space and cybersecurity.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, they emphasized the need to ensure navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz and agreed to maintain consultations for a prompt resolution of the crisis.

French and Japanese Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs. From left to right: Catherine Vautrin, Jean-Noël Barrot, Motegi Toshimitsu, and Koizumi Shinjirō, on April 1st.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]