Japan-Germany Relations
Japan-Germany Summit Telephone Talk
December 14, 2021
On December 14, commencing at 6:30 p.m. (JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida extended his congratulations on the launch of the new German government and the inauguration of Chancellor Scholz, and stated that Japan attaches great importance to its relationship with Germany, with whom it shares fundamental values. In response, Chancellor Scholz expressed his gratitude and conveyed his intention to further strengthen Japan- Germany relations.
- The two leaders concurred that Germany, which assumes the G7 Presidency next year, and Japan, which will assume the Presidency in 2023, will continue to work together closely.
- The two leaders welcomed the strengthening of security and defense cooperation between the two countries, including the conclusion of the Japan-Germany Agreement on the Security of Information, the first Japan-Germany Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting ("2+2"), and the port call in Japan by the German frigate “Bayern” this year, which marks the 160th Anniversary of Japan-Germany Friendship, and shared the view to continue to strengthen their cooperation.
- The two leaders also affirmed their cooperation on the regional situations, such as China and North Korea, including on the abductions issue. They also shared the view to strengthen cooperation on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.