Japan, New Zealand agree on intelligence sharing deal

Japan and New Zealand agreed in principle Wednesday on an intelligence sharing pact that would enhance bilateral cooperation in security and defense.

The decision came after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon met in Tokyo to enhance ties and address regional and global challenges.

The two leaders discussed advancing security partnerships, promoting economic resilience and coordinating responses to regional and international issues including North Korea and Ukraine, according to a statement from Japan's Foreign Ministry.

Kishida and Luxon welcomed progress in negotiations toward a Japan-New Zealand information security agreement aimed at bolstering information-sharing capabilities between the two countries.

They also highlighted their commitment to economic cooperation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a free trade system and promoting economic resilience based on the rule of law.

Japan previously signed similar intelligence sharing agreements with the US, Australia, the UK, India and South Korea as well as with NATO.

Discussions on a similar agreement are also ongoing with Canada.