Skopje, 8 July 2023 (MIA) - An establishment of a liaison office in Japan, if so decided by NATO, is a concrete and symbolic effort that embodies NATO's stance of strengthening its engagement in the Indo-Pacific. We believe that the establishment of this facility will be beneficial to the Indo-Pacific region, Japan’s Ambassador Otsuka Kazuya said in an interview with MIA in regard to the announcements for opening a liaison office of NATO in Japan.

Kazuya said that Japan and NATO are currently discussing a new Individual Tailored Partnership Program (ITPP), which will include goals and specific initiatives. Achieving this will require further practical cooperation between Japan and NATO.

“We believe that the establishment of this facility will be beneficial not only to the Indo-Pacific region, including Japan, but also to NATO. In order to realize this matter, we would like to continue to work closely with North Macedonia and other NATO countries,” Otsuka stressed.

He noted that NATO’s new “strategic concept” adopted in June last year, positions China as a "systemic challenge" for the first time, and clearly states the threat of Sino-Russian cooperation.

“It also clearly states that the Indo-Pacific can directly affect the security of the Euro-Atlantic,” Japanese Ambassador said.

Otsuka, in an interview with MIA that will be published in full on Sunday, also refers to activities planned to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between North Macedonia and Japan next year.

Photo: Frosina Naskovikj