Defmin in Tokyo: Estonia, Japan face similar security challenges

TALLINN - Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur met with Minister of Defense of Japan Gen Nakatani on Wednesday to discuss bilateral defense cooperation and supporting Ukraine.

"Estonia and Japan share similar security perspectives, as well as challenges. Cyberattacks from Russia and China, maritime and airspace violations, and the protection of critical infrastructure are just a few examples of the common security issues we face. Japan stands firmly with us in supporting Ukraine and is a key like-minded partner for NATO allies in Asia. This provides a strong foundation for even closer cooperation, particularly in the defense industry, where we see great potential for deepening our collaboration," Pevkur said following the meeting.

"I am also pleased that our invitation for Japan Self-Defense Forces to participate in the large-scale exercise Siil received a positive response," Pevkur added.

In addition to the bilateral meeting, Pevkur spoke at the Tokyo Global Dialogue, a conference organized for the sixth time by the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA). The minister also participated in a panel discussion on European security and its impact on the Indo-Pacific region, alongside former EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy Federica Mogherini and NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy Marie-Doha Besancenot.

Another key objective of the visit was to support the Estonian Defense and Aerospace Industry Association's business delegation in meetings in Japan, including a seminar with the Japan Association of Defense Industries (JADI) and the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), an agency of the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

Over the past decade, relations between Estonia and Japan have reached a new level, thanks to both nations' expertise in digital and cybersecurity issues, as well as high-level visits.

Since 2022, Japan has been a member of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence in Tallinn and has also joined the IT Coalition led by Estonia and Luxembourg, which supports the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces in strengthening their communications and IT capabilities.