Japan respects the efforts made to complete the procedures for Finland's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a government spokesman said.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu also mentioned that the government supports Finland's decision to apply for NATO membership.
Matsuno noted that the move comes amid the increasingly dangerous international security environment due to factors such as Russia's aggression against Ukraine. He added that coordination between like-minded countries is more important than ever.
According to the spokesman, the international community is at a historic crossroads. He said Japan will strengthen cooperation with NATO to maintain and promote a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
On Tuesday, Finland joined NATO, completing a rapid transition of the Western military alliance in the wake of Russia's war on Ukraine.
Finland's accession to NATO adds a strong army to the coalition forces and contributes to strengthening the defenses of its eastern flank in the face of any Russian attack.
Moscow announces its intention to enhance its military capabilities in the western and northwestern directions in response to this accession.
Finland has a border with Russia that extends for 1,300 km, which means that the length of the alliance border with Russia has almost doubled.
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