Japan-Germany Relations

February 16, 2019
Foreign Ministers shaking hands
Japan-Germany Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

On February 16 Saturday, commencing at 9:00 a.m. for approximately 30 minutes (local time, 5:00 p.m. on February 16, Japan time), Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Heiko MAAS, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Germany, during his visit to Munich to attend the 55th Munich Security Conference. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Opening remarks

At the beginning, the two ministers shared the view that they would further crystalize Japan-Germany cooperation and cooperate towards the G20 on the basis of the fact that the leaders of Japan and Germany shared the view that they would expand the horizon of cooperation especially on the security and defense fields on the occasion of the visit of Chancellor Angela Merkel to Japan last week.

2. Bilateral relations

(1) On the basis of the commitment of Germany to a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” expressed at the time of the recent visit of Chancellor Merkel to Japan, the two ministers confirmed that they would crystalize cooperation to realize the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and furthermore that they would advance cooperation concerning the Western Balkan region, including collaboration with the Berlin Process led by Germany.

(2) Furthermore, Federal Minister Maas stated that the Western Balkan region is very significant and that he strongly welcomes the engagement of Japan in the region.

3. Regional situations

(1) Minister Kono and Federal Minister Maas held an exchange of views regarding the regional situations of East Asia. Regarding the situation of North Korea, Japan shares the view with Germany, which serves as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and the Chair of the 1718 Sanctions Committee, that the international society should unite as whole to support the U.S.-North Korea process toward the second U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting planned for the end of this month and the two ministers confirmed that their two countries would cooperate closely.

(2) In addition, the two ministers held an exchange of views regarding a wide range of regional situations.


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