NATO and Japan Strengthen Cooperation with New Embassy Appointment

brussels - NATO and Japan have intensified their ties with Japan establishing a diplomatic mission and appointing its own ambassador to the alliance.

Since the conflict in Ukraine, NATO has been collaborating more closely with Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and South Korea. The alliance also shares concerns with these countries regarding China's significant military buildup.

Among these countries, Japan is the first to have an independent diplomatic mission with an ambassador at NATO. Membership in the alliance is not possible as the Washington Treaty stipulates that only North American and European countries can join.

NATO has long expressed a desire to open an office in Tokyo, but among the 32 allies, there is no unanimous support for this plan, with France being particularly critical. However, this did not deter Japan from sending representation to Brussels. The new ambassador is currently recruiting staff, including a vacancy for a butler.