Representatives of Japan and NATO have agreed to intensify military cooperation and joint exercises, as they share the fear that the war in Ukraine is causing a deterioration in the security situation in Europe and Asia, AP reported.

Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said after meeting with NATO Military Committee Chairman Rob Bauer that Tokyo hopes to strengthen its ties with European countries and welcomes NATO's increased involvement in the Indo-Pacific region.

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

Bauer's visit to Tokyo coincided with Japan's participation in a NATO naval exercise in the Mediterranean.

Japan has been building up its military capabilities and cooperation with Europe, in addition to its alliance with the United States and partnerships with other countries in the Indo-Pacific and beyond in the face of the rise of China.

On Tuesday, Japanese and American fighter jets conducted a joint flight exercise over the Sea of ​​Japan amid an increasingly serious security situation such as North Korea's repeated ballistic missile launches, Japan's defense ministry said.