Japan-Switzerland Relations
Japan-Switzerland Summit Meeting
April 18, 2022
Japan-Switzerland Summit Meeting (Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
Japan-Switzerland Summit Meeting (Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On April 18, commencing at 5:30 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-Switzerland summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Ignazio CASSIS, President and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, who was visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Outset
- (1) Prime Minister Kishida welcomed President Cassis's visit to Japan. He stated that Russia’s aggression shakes the foundations of the international order, including not only Europe but also Asia, and that unity within the international community is needed now more than ever. He stated his intention to collaborate closely with Switzerland, an important partner with whom Japan shares fundamental values.
- (2) In response, Mr. Cassis, President and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, stated that he is focusing on strengthening cooperation between Switzerland and Japan in the field of economy, science, and technology during his visit to Japan. Regarding the war in Ukraine, he stated that he will provide full support to Ukraine while continuing to impose strict sanctions against Russia.
- Global Situation
- (1) The two leaders shared the view that Russia must be held seriously accountable for the numerous Ukrainian civilian victims of its aggression, and that strong sanctions against Russia should continue so that Russia will listen to the international community and end their aggression immediately.
- (2) Prime Minister Kishida stated that it is even more important to promote cooperation among like-minded countries to achieve a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” under current circumstances when the rule-based international order is facing immense challenges. He expressed his expectation for stronger cooperation with Switzerland. The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in North Korea, and confirmed that Japan and Switzerland will continue to cooperate in dealing with North Korea, including its ballistic missile launches and the abductions issue.
- Bilateral Relations
- (1) The two leaders welcomed the signing of the Protocol Amending Tax Convention between Japan and Switzerland last year and the opening of the Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka. They shared the view to develop their friendly relations towards the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2024.
- (2) Prime Minister Kishida expressed his willingness to advance broader exchanges between the two countries, taking the opportunity of Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan. He noted that Switzerland, applying measures taken by EU member states, imposes import restrictions on Japanese food products, and requested cooperation toward removing these restrictions.