(VOVWORLD) - The EU is seeking security and defense industry partnerships with Japan and South Korea aimed at joint development of military equipment, the Nikkei Asia reported on Sunday, citing a senior European Commission official.
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This would mark the first time the EU has established security and defense partnerships with Asian countries.
In this partnership, the EU would consider cooperation with Japan and South Korea in areas such as space, cyber security, maritime security, and preventing false information.
There has been a proposal to expand opportunities for Japanese companies to participate in research and development programs in the defense sector led by the EU, which would provide capital for joint projects between Japanese and European companies. The proposal includes cooperation on disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation issues.
EU officials hope to reach a ministerial deal with Japan by the end of this year. The Japanese and Korean Foreign Ministries and the EU delegation in Tokyo have not yet publicly commented.