Japan-New Zealand Relations

November 10, 2017
Prime Minister shaking hands with the Prime Minister of New Zealand Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
Japan-New Zealand Summit Meeting Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office

On November 10, commencing at 11:35 a.m. (local time; 1:35 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting Da Nang to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, held a bilateral meeting with Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

  1. At the outset, Prime Minister Abe congratulated Prime Minister Ardern on her appointment, and explained that together with Prime Minister Ardern he intends to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and New Zealand, as "Strategic Cooperative Partners" that share fundamental values, and cooperate in a broad range of areas, including politics and the economy. In response, Prime Minister Ardern congratulated Prime Minister Abe on his reelection, along with stating that she hopes to work closely with Prime Minister Abe to promote Japan-NZ relations going forward. 
  2. The two leaders confirmed the importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and shared the view that they will cooperate towards the early entry into force of the TPP . 
  3. With regard to the North Korea problem, Prime Minister Abe expressed the view that it will be important to maximize pressure on North Korea, including through the full implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, and the two leaders confirmed that they will work closely together on the North Korea problem, including the abductions issue.
  4. The two leaders exchanged views on various regional challenges, including maritime security, and confirmed that the two countries will continue to collaborate. In addition, Prime Minister Abe explained Japan's "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy", and the two leaders shared the view that they will cooperate on maintaining and strengthening the free and open order based on the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region. 
  5. The two leaders shared the view that they will cooperate closely in the Pacific region, including the Eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 8), which is scheduled to be held in May next year.
  6. The two leaders also exchanged views on the whaling issue.

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