NATO, Japan Agree to Cooperate More

Source: Associated Press

The U.S.-led NATO alliance and Japan, facing mounting security challenges in their respective neighborhoods, agreed Tuesday to cooperate more.

During a visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to NATO headquarters, the two sides signed an "individual partnership and cooperation program" that will serve as a roadmap for future joint activities, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.

In a speech to ambassadors from the alliance's 28 member states, Abe said: "NATO, which shares our fundamental values, is indeed our natural partner. Together, we triumphed in the Cold War."

Rasmussen said the new program will affect joint activities like counter-piracy operations, disaster relief and humanitarian aid. He also lauded Japan for spending billions to support alliance operations in Afghanistan and for being NATO's oldest partner from outside Europe or North America.

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