Japan-Germany Relations
Japan-Germany Summit Meeting
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On October 23, commencing at 3:40 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Summit Meeting with H.E. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, who is visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. The meeting was also attended by Mr. NISHIMURA Akihiro and others from the Japanese side, and by H.E. Mr. Stephan Steinlein, State Secretary of the Office of the Federal President, H.E. Ms. Michelle Müntefering, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, H.E. Ms. Ina Lepel, Ambassador-Designate of Germany to Japan, and others from the German side.
1. Opening remarks
Prime Minister Abe stated, “I wholeheartedly welcome your second visit to Japan as the Federal President following your previous visit in February of last year. I would like to work together with you to give momentum to the “160th Anniversary of Japan-Germany Friendship” in 2021. ”
In response, President Steinmeier extended his condolences on behalf of the people of Germany for the victims of the typhoon No.19 (Hagibis). President Steinmeier also stated that he was honored to be in Japan for the historic Ceremony of the Enthronement and expressed his heartfelt respect for organizing this diplomatic event.
2. Bilateral relations
The two leaders welcomed the expansion of the fields and regions in which Japan and Germany are cooperating, including maintaining and strengthening the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” and agreed on the importance of bilateral cooperation between Japan and Germany in the changing world, which share common values such as multilateralism, rule of law and free trade.
3. Society 5.0
President Steinmeier mentioned that he exchanged views with experts on Society 5.0 during this visit. Facing the aging society, which is a common challenge for both countries, the two leaders had frank discussion on demographic change, women’s empowerment, pension and care issues, digitalization and issue of foreign workers.
4. Regional situation
The two leaders also exchanged views on the situations in East Asia, including North Korea issues. Prime Minister Abe asked for President Steinmeier’s understanding and cooperation toward the early resolution of the abductions issue.