Japan, Bulgaria agree to upgrade ties, step up economic cooperation
At a joint press conference after talks with Radev in Tokyo, Ishiba said Japan will work closely with Bulgaria, which "places emphasis on the rule of law and the international order," apparently with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in mind.
Known for its abundant IT workforce, Bulgaria is home to the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology, set up with investment from U.S. tech giant Google LLC. It has engaged in joint research with Japanese Toyota Motor Corp.
Bulgaria, a member of NATO and the European Union, neighbors Russia and Ukraine across the Black Sea. Radev is on a five-day visit to Japan through Wednesday, having traveled to Tokyo after attending the World Exposition in Osaka.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Nikkei Asia
an hour ago
- Nikkei Asia
Japan to step up measures to fight foreign election interference
Japan's recent upper house election saw a wave of social media bots spreading fake AI images on topics like vaccines and foreigners. © AP SATOSHI TEZUKA TOKYO -- The Japanese government is ramping up efforts to combat foreign election interference after the spread of misinformation by bots on social media became a problem in the recent upper house vote. "Foreign interference in elections is commonplace around the world, and other countries are responding in various ways," said Masaaki Taira, minister for digital transformation, at a press conference on Tuesday. "Japan is not immune to this issue."
Nikkei Asia
2 hours ago
- Nikkei Asia
Toyota to make EVs in Czech Republic, its first in Europe
Toyota to begin EV production in Europe in preparation for tighter environmental restrictions there. (Photo by Eiki Hayashi) SHOTA UEHARA NAGOYA, Japan -- Toyota Motor will start producing electric vehicles at a Czech subsidiary as early as 2028, its first European-built EVs, Nikkei learned Tuesday. The Japanese automaker is expected to make an electric sport utility vehicle at the site, with annual production aimed at around 100,000 units.
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 hours ago
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Releases Guidelines for Stronger Space Defense as It Looks to Protect Its Satellites from Adversaries
The Defense Ministry unveiled on Monday its first-ever guidelines for space defense, meant to lay out the direction for strengthening these defenses. The guidelines clearly state that satellites operated by the Self-Defense Forces will be fully protected, as well as that companies will be ensured safe use of space. According to the guidelines, the government aims to build security in space through public-private partnerships, incorporating private-sector technology. The guidelines raise concerns about countries such as China and Russia, which are developing killer satellites that can attack other nations' satellites, and about the growing militarization of space. Given the increasingly severe security environment in space, the guidelines stress the need to improve defenses to allow for the safe operation of satellites and other assets run by the government, including the SDF, as well as by Japanese firms. One of the core tenants of the guidelines is the need for improved space domain awareness for monitoring the operational status, purpose and capabilities of other countries' satellites. The plan is to build the capacity to detect threats, such as killer satellites and anti-satellite weapons, and to protect Japan's satellites. The guidelines also note the importance of stable satellite communications for military intel, including for detecting and tracking missiles launched by enemy countries, and that such intel should be shared within the SDF. Additionally, the guidelines push for an improved ability to jam enemy countries' communications. To support these efforts, the guidelines insist on a proactive use of innovative technologies from the private sector, where commercial services have significantly advanced. The guidelines also emphasize the need to cultivate experts in the space field, recruit more outside talent and educate staff in the Defense Ministry and the SDF.
