Japan-Switzerland Relations
Japan-Switzerland Summit Meeting
Photograph of the leaders shaking hands
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the leaders shaking hands
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the Japan-Switzerland Summit Meeting
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On June 10, commencing at around 11:10 a.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Ueli Maurer, President and Head of the Federal Department of Finance of the Swiss Confederation, who was visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. At the beginning, welcoming the visit of President Maurer to Japan, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan hopes to cooperate with Switzerland on various challenges in the international community, which is an important partner to Japan that shares fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. In response, expressing his gratitude for the invitation to the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Fukuoka, President Maurer stated that G20 Finance Minister were able to share the view on various issues including the G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment. President Maurer also expressed his gratitude for reaffirming the cordial bilateral relationship between Japan and Switzerland.
2. Regarding the swift repeal of import restriction measures on products imported from Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake, Prime Minister Abe requested cooperation in promoting understanding in Europe towards the repeal of the restriction measures.
3. Prime Minister Abe also stated his intention to expand the exchanges between citizens of both countries through the Host Town Initiative, which is implemented in the run up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In response to this, President Maurer said that Switzerland hopes that many Swiss citizens will take this opportunity to visit Japan, and that this will deepen the bonds between the citizens of both countries.
4. Furthermore, the two leaders exchanged views regarding the regional situation, including the issue of North Korea. The two leaders shared the view that full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions is necessary towards the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Prime Minister Abe requested understanding and support towards the early resolution of the abductions issue. In response, President Maurer stated that Switzerland offers its utmost support.