Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, on Wednesday confirmed that their countries have reached a substantive accord on an information security agreement, which will allow the sharing of classified information.
The two leaders, meeting in Tokyo, also agreed to step up discussions to launch talks on a bilateral acquisition and cross-servicing agreement to facilitate exchanges of supplies between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the New Zealand military.
Kishida told a joint news conference with Luxon that he expects Japan and New Zealand to strengthen their security and defense ties.
Luxon said he hopes to work together with Japan to tackle serious issues in the region.
The two leaders recognized the importance of communicating with Australia and South Korea to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
They also agreed to cooperate over a summit of Pacific island countries that Japan will host next month.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/06/20/japan/japan-nz-leaders-meet
