Japan, Sweden sign defense deal

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Japan and Sweden have signed an agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

During a phone call, Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and his Swedish counterpart Tobias Billstrom welcomed the signing of the "Agreement on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology."

“It (has) become even more important for like-minded countries to strengthen cooperation on security issues under the current international situation,” a joint statement from Tokyo said.

The deal was signed on Monday and took effect the same day.

Hayashi said the agreement aimed at “further cooperation between Japan and Sweden as well as between Japan and the EU in order to address common challenges of the international community and realize a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’.”

The statement said the two sides discussed regional situations, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the East and South China Seas and North Korea.

The Japanese and Swedish top diplomats “confirmed” to work together to “further strengthen cooperation in the international arena,” the statement added.