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MONS, Belgium – Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Tod D. Wolters met with Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Mr. Kim Hyoung-zhin and Ambassador of Japan Mr. Makita Shimokawa on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019.

Both Ambassadors held separate office calls with General Wolters focusing on efforts to continue their respective nation’s proactive dialogue and cooperative partnership with the Alliance.

NATO and the Republic of Korea signed a new partnership programme on Nov. 21, which will set the framework for continued cooperation and dialogue. The Republic of Korea has contributed to Alliance efforts in Afghanistan and has continued a progressive engagement with NATO since 2005. 

Ambassador of Japan, Mr. Makita Shimokawa, meets with General Tod D. Wolters (SACEUR) on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019 at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe

Japan is NATO’s longest-standing partner outside of Europe and has increased its cooperation within the Alliance since the 1990’s. The Alliance and Japan have worked together over the years in support of efforts to stabilise Afghanistan, counter piracy in Somalia, strengthen partner nations as well as support the Alliance’s work on Women, Peace and Security.

Ambassador Makita Shimokawa was recently appointed as Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Belgium and to NATO, he was accompanied by the Minister of Japan to NATO and the Military Representative of the Japanese Mission to NATO. Ambassador Kim Hyoung-zhin is slated to turnover his position next week and requested to have the outcall with General Wolters. He was accompanied by his First Secretary from the Korean Embassy to Belgium.