BRUSSELS - Maintaining stability in Europe, with which Japan shares fundamental values, serves the country’s interests, Japanese Ambassador to NATO Osamu Izawa said in an interview.Izawa pointed out that even if U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration scales back its involvement in European defense, the region can maintain stability by strengthening its own defense capabilities.He brushed aside concerns about trans-Atlantic tensions over issues such as the war in Iran.

NATO’s unity, based on collective defense, is unwavering, he said, adding that the alliance is “rock-solid.”