Japan-New Zealand Relations

On November 8, commencing at 5:15 p.m. (local time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting Da Nang to attend the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Ministerial Meeting, held a meeting with  Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand (NZ). The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the outset, Minister Kono congratulated Minister Peters on his appointment, and explained that going forward he hopes to strengthen the Japan-NZ relationship together with the newly-launched Labour Party-NZ First Party coalition government. In response, Minister Peters also congratulated Minister Kono on his reelection and reappointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs, along with explaining that he hopes to work closely with Minister Kono in the future to promote the Japan-NZ relationship.
2. Minister Kono explained the North Korea situation, along with noting the importance of maximizing pressure on North Korea. The two ministers confirmed that they will coordinate closely on the North Korea problem, including the abductions issue.
3. Minister Kono explained the importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and encouraged Minister Peters to cooperate with New Zealand towards the early entry into force of the TPP.
4. Minister Kono explained Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy, and the two ministers shared recognition on the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, including the importance of maintaining maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region.
5. The two ministers 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.