Japan-Germany Relations
Japan-Germany Summit Meeting
Photograph of the Japan-Germany Summit Meeting (Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the Japan-Germany Summit Meeting (Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the Japan-Germany Summit Meeting (Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany on August 24, starting at 4:55 p.m. local time (11:55 p.m. same day, JST). It happened during his visit to Biarritz, France to attend the G7 Biarritz Summit and lasted for approximately 20 minutes. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Opening Remarks
Prime Minister Abe reiterated his appreciation for Chancellor Merkel’s cooperation at the G20 Osaka Summit at the end of June. Prime Minister Abe stated that the G20 leaders were able to issue a strong message at the Osaka Summit on addressing issues the international community is facing, including the environment, a priority issue for Chancellor Merkel. Prime Minister Abe noted that, in particular, he would like to utilize the “Osaka Track” to steadily create rules for the digital economy. In response, Chancellor Merkel congratulated Prime Minister Abe on his party’s victory in the House of Councillors election and expressed appreciation for Japan’s efforts in the presidency of the G20 Osaka Summit.
2. Bilateral Cooperation
The leaders discussed cooperation for realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific. The leaders also confirmed that they would work together at the upcoming G7 summit, with a view to achieving peace and stability in the Sahel region and confirmed cooperation for the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) that will follow the G7 Summit.
3. Regional Situation
The leaders exchanged views among others on the situations of North Korea and the Middle East, and shared their intention to continue close cooperation.