Japanese and NATO officials have agreed to intensify military cooperation and joint exercises over Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which threatens the security of Europe and Asia. This was reported by Japan Today.

"Japanese and NATO representatives agreed Tuesday to intensify military cooperation and joint exercises because they share concerns that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is leading to a deteriorating security situation in Europe and Asia," the report said.

Japanese Defense Ministry chief Nobuo Kishi said at the start of a meeting with NATO Military Committee head Rob Bauer that Japan hopes to strengthen ties with European countries and supports increased NATO involvement in the Indo-Pacific region, they noted.

"The security of Europe and Asia are closely intertwined, especially now that the international community is facing serious challenges," Kishi said.

Bauer's visit to Tokyo came against the backdrop of a NATO naval exercise in the Mediterranean Sea in which the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force is taking part.