NATO, Japan condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine, declare unwavering support for Ukrainians

BRUSSELS. Jan 31 (Interfax-Ukraine) – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio issued a joint statement condemning Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The text of the statement, adopted on Tuesday as part of the NATO Secretary General’s working visit to Japan, was circulated by the headquarters of the North Atlantic Alliance.

"We condemn, in the strongest terms, the unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine. We reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine ‘ s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders extending to its territorial waters," according to the statement.

The parties also said "Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric is unacceptable and that any use of nuclear weapons would meet with unequivocal international condemnation and severe consequences. We reaffirm our unwavering support for and solidarity with Ukraine in the face of the ongoing Russian war of aggression. We highlight with concern Russia’s growing military cooperation with China, including through joint operations and drills in the vicinity of Japan," Stoltenberg and Fumio said.

The dignitaries said the international community is currently "facing changes defining an era." "The free and open international order based on the rule of law is at stake, and we are witnessing changes in power balances and intensifying geopolitical competition. The world is at a historical inflection point in the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II," the statement said.

Stoltenberg and Fumio said Russia’s aggression against Ukraine "has shattered peace and shaken the foundation of the rules-based international order." "It has gravely altered the security environment in the Euro-Atlantic and beyond. The balance of power is also rapidly shifting in the Indo-Pacific, and we share the view that unilateral change of the status quo by force or coercion is not acceptable anywhere in the world," they are convinced.

The parties also believe that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is "closely connected" and stress the necessity of further strengthening cooperation between Japan and NATO, in order "to respond to the changing strategic environment." "Japan welcomes NATO’s determination to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific. We welcome Japan’s vision for realising a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP). We reaffirm our resolve to uphold and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law," the parties said.

In addition, they "strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea." "We express serious concern about reports of militarisation, coercion and intimidation in the South China Sea. With regard to China’s rapid strengthening of its military capabilities and expansion of military activities, we strongly encourage China to improve transparency and to cooperate constructively with international efforts for arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. Our basic positions on Taiwan remain unchanged, and we emphasize the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element in security and prosperity in the international community. We encourage a peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues," the statement said.

Stoltenberg and Fumio also condemned North Korea’s ongoing development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, including ballistic missile launches, calling for full compliance with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and abandoning its nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs, as well as any other weapons of mass destruction programs and ballistic missiles.