President Stubb and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba: Finland and Japan deepen cooperation

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press release 39/2025
11 June 2025

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb met with Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on Wednesday 11 June 2025. At the meeting, Finland and Japan issued a joint statement on reinforced cooperation between Finland and Japan. Cooperation will deepen especially in the area of security.

The joint statement between Finland and Japan builds on the strategic partnership established in 2016. President Stubb and Prime Minister Ishiba concurred to further strengthen the partnership.

The security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific regions are increasingly interconnected. Russia’s war of aggression in Europe and regional tensions near Japan are reflected in the security of both countries. Japan is a key partner of NATO and the European Union.

In the statement, the countries express concern over the increasing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, as well as the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine.

The joint statement confirms Finland and Japan’s agreement to strengthen their bilateral defence dialogue and accelerate negotiations on defence material cooperation. Japan is also interested in the Finnish concept for comprehensive security. In addition, the two countries face similar threats to cybersecurity and undersea infrastructure.

“Finland and Japan share common values and interests. Both countries defend the global multilateral system. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation in areas such as the defence industry and technology. This brings benefits to both countries”, President Stubb says.

Cooperation on economic security will also be developed. Specific areas of focus will include the supply chain for critical minerals, digitalisation and secure telecommunications networks. The already close cooperation between Finland and Japan in science, research and innovation will also be enhanced.

Finland and Japan are also committed to working together to find solutions to the demographic challenges they face.