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Meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba and Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb of Finland

November 29, 2011
Japanese

1. On Tuesday, November 29, from 5:30 p.m. for around 30 minutes, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Koichiro Gemba held a meeting with Dr. Alexander Stubb, Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade of Finland, and exchanged views on bilateral relations, Japan-EU relations, the European economic situation, among other matters.
   
   
2. At the outset, Minister Gemba welcomed Minister Stubb’s return to Japan following his last visit to Japan as Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2009, and expressed his appreciation for visiting the areas afflicted by the Great East Japan Earthquake. In response, Minister Stubb once again expressed sympathy over the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident, as well as respect for the courageous responses of the Japanese people. Minister Stubb stated that through his visit to Arahama in Miyagi Prefecture the previous day, he became keenly aware of the extensiveness of the devastation. He then stated that Finland-made Moomin toys were donated to the children in Sendai City.
   
   
3. Regarding the economic situation in Europe, Minister Stubb explained the views and thoughts on the response to the current crisis, the issue of rules within the European Union (EU), and the ways of ensuring future growth. Minister Gemba responded that Japan collaborates with Europe’s initiatives for overcoming credit uneasiness, including through the purchase of European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) bonds, and pays close attention to the European economic situation.
   
   
4. Based on the above, both ministers agreed in principle to eliminate protectionism and to promote free trade for the recovery and growth of the world economy. The ministers exchanged views on the importance of advancing the Japan-EU economic partnership agreement (EPA) and the ways of achieving the EPA.
   
   
5. Lastly, Minister Stubb, on behalf of Minister for Foreign Affairs Erkki Tuomioja, extended to Minister Gemba a formal invitation to visit Finland. Minister Gemba responded that he looks forward to making the visit when the timing is appropriate.

• (*The foregoing is a provisional translation. The date indicated above denotes the date of issue of the original press release in Japanese.)

Related Information (Japan-Finland Relations)