Japan-Canada Foreign Ministers' Meeting (Summary)

Japanese

On July 22, Mr. Takeaki Matsumoto, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting Bali, Indonesia to attend ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' Meetings, held a Japan-Canada foreign ministers' meeting with the Honourable John Baird, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, for approximately 30 minutes from 11:45 AM, local time (July 22, 12:45 PM, JST). An overview of the meeting is as follows:

1. Response to the March Earthquake

Minister Matsumoto congratulated Minister Baird on his inauguration as foreign minister. He also expressed his gratitude for various kinds of assistance Canada has been providing toward Japan's recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, including a series of seminars organized by the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo that call for, among others, the reorganization of business relationships with post-disaster Japan. In addition, Minister Matsumoto appreciated the fact that Canada lifted all the restrictions it had imposed on food from Japan, ahead of other countries. In response, Minister Baird expressed his condolences for people who had lost their lives in the disaster and offered his sympathies for the affected people. He also stated that Canada is ready to provide a range of assistance for the reconstruction of Japan.

2. The Political, Peace and Security Subcabinet "2+2" Dialogue

Minister Matsumoto expressed his hope for successful outcomes of the Political, Peace and Security Subcabinet "2+2" Dialogue, a forum whose establishment was agreed during the Japan-Canada Summit Meeting in November 2010 and for which arrangements are being made toward its launch. Minister Baird concurred.

3. Japan-Canada Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

Both sides agreed on the need to complete the joint study on the Japan-Canada Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) – the third meeting of which was held last week – as soon as possible and move forward.

4. Import restrictions on Canadian Beef

Minister Baird requested that Japan lift import restrictions on Canadian beef. In response, Minister Matsumoto stated that Japan is aware of Canada's interest in this issue. He said that although consideration should be given to the feelings of livestock farmers affected by the disaster, Japan would like to continue discussion to resolve the issue in a mutually acceptable manner as it is a long-standing issue between the two countries.

5. Regional Affairs

Minister Baird reported on the outcomes of the visit to China he had just completed. Both sides also exchanged views on a wide range of regional issues, including the situation in Sri Lanka.