NATO officials are not only focusing on increased coordination over the war in Ukraine and security in the Indo-Pacific but also on enhancing ties with Japan in emergency management and promoting women’s involvement in conflict prevention and peace-building. Irene Fellin, NATO’s special representative for women, peace, and security, commended Japan’s efforts to ensure women’s full participation in security and peace processes to further global peace.
Fellin highlighted Japan’s initiatives such as the campaign launched by Japanese lawmakers and a new action plan by the Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces to involve women in conflict resolution and disaster relief. She also praised Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa for her efforts in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.
The NATO-Japan cooperation in areas such as WPS, emergency management, and climate change is part of the Individually Tailored Partnership Program. Fellin emphasized the importance of gender perspective in peace-building based on NATO’s experience in Afghanistan. Irina Novakova, head of NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Center, acknowledged Japan’s support during the massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria, highlighting the potential for greater collaboration in emergency management.
Overall, NATO and Japan are working towards enhanced cooperation in disaster response and are looking forward to joint training and exercises to strengthen their capabilities in emergency preparedness.
© KYODO