Japan-Germany Relations
Japan-Germany Summit Meeting
October 16, 2014
On October 16, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is visiting Milan, Italy to attend the Asia-Europe Meeting 10 Summit Meeting (ASEM 10), held two meetings lasting a total of approximately 30 minutes with H.E. Dr. Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. The meetings took place before and after the ASEM 10 and at dinner. The outline is as follows.
1. Ukraine situation
Prime Minister Abe said he highly appreciates Germany’s contribution, and said Japan also places importance on coordinating with other G7 countries. Prime Minister Abe also said that along with steadily implementing economic support to Ukraine of up to approximately 1.5 billion U.S. dollars, which Japan has already pledged, he will also dispatch election observers from Japan for Ukraine’s Supreme Council election. Chancellor Merkel said she recognizes that the situation in Ukraine is not “somebody else’s problem” for Japan either, and highly appreciates Japan’s support and initiatives. She said she wants to continue to coordinate among the G7 members.
2. United Nations Security Council reform
Prime Minister Abe and Chancellor Merkel shared the view that they will aim for achievable UN Security Council reform while coordinating with other G4 countries.
3. South China Sea
The two leaders discussed the South China Sea and shared recognition of the importance of the rule of law at sea.
4. Visit to Japan by Chancellor Merkel
The two leaders shared the view that preparations for bringing about a visit to Japan by Chancellor Merkel next year will move forward.