Japan-Germany Relations
Japan-Germany Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 6, 2015
On Thursday November 5, commencing at 5:00 p.m. (local time) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Federal Republic of Germany, during his visit to Luxembourg in order to attend the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The overview is as follows.
1. Opening Remarks
Minister Kishida highly appreciated Germany’s efforts as the G7 chair country, and the two foreign ministers confirmed they will work closely together in the run-up to the presidency handover.
2. The situation in Ukraine
Foreign Minister Steinmeier explained the situation in Ukraine and the efforts by Germany. in the “Normandy format.” The two foreign ministers confirmed the need to steadily implement the Minsk agreements in order to achieve peace in Ukraine, and shared the view that they will work closely together in the future also.
3. Mass Influx of Refugees and Migrants
Minister Kishida expressed his respect for Germany’s efforts with the mass influx of refugees and migrants, and stated Japan’s solidarity with Europe. Foreign Minister Steinmeier explained Germany’s efforts and challenges in addressing the issue.
4. Other Issues
Minister Kishida also explained the recent situation in East Asia and the basic position of the Government of Japan.
Additionally, the two foreign ministers confirmed that they will work together to achieve an agreement in principle on the Japan-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by the end of this year and on reforms of the United Nations Security Council.
Additionally, the two foreign ministers confirmed that they will work together to achieve an agreement in principle on the Japan-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by the end of this year and on reforms of the United Nations Security Council.