Japan-Cyprus Relations
Japan-Cyprus Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
May 13, 2023
On May 13th, commencing at 11:00 a.m. (local time; May 13th, 18:00 p.m. JST), for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is currently visiting Stockholm, the Kingdom of Sweden, to attend the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Constantinos KOMBOS, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Cyprus. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi welcomed the development of good relations between Japan and Cyprus as partners who share fundamental values, which mutually opened its embassies in recent years. Minister Hayashi also stated that he wishes to further strengthen cooperation with Cyprus as the international order is being challenged and the collaboration among the like-minded countries is more important than ever.
- Minister Hayashi mentioned that Japan and Cyprus celebrated the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relation last year and stated that he wishes closer dialogue between the two countries in all levels. In response, Foreign Minister Kombos stated that he also would like dialogue between the two countries to become more active and expressed his expectations for further development of the bilateral relations, including strengthening economic ties and cooperation in maritime field between the two countries.
- Minister Hayashi asked for Cyprus's cooperation towards the early lifting of the EU’s import measures on Japanese food products.
- The two foreign ministers affirmed that like-minded countries will continue to be united in their response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. In addition, the two ministers exchanged views on regional affairs such as China and North Korea.