Japan-New Zealand Relations
Japan-New Zealand Summit Telephone Meeting
April 22, 2026
On April 22, commencing at 12:00 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone meeting with Rt. Hon. Christopher LUXON, Prime Minister of New Zealand.
- The two leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and concurred on continuing close communication to ensure that steps are taken to de-escalate the situation, including the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. They also confirmed the importance of ensuring a stable supply of energy and essential goods, in light of the current energy situation in the Asia-Pacific region.
- The two leaders also discussed security cooperation and Prime Minister TAKAICHI briefed the review of the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and its Implementation" announced by Japan yesterday. Prime Minister LUXON expressed his welcome to her briefing.
- Looking ahead to next year’s 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the two leaders concurred that they would further deepen bilateral relations, including security cooperation. Furthermore, the two leaders shared the importance of continuing to strengthen multi-layered cooperation among like-minded countries. They also concurred on maintaining close communication at every opportunity, cooperating toward the realization of "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)", to further deepen the bilateral relationship, including in the field of security.