Japan-Germany Relations
Japan-Germany Summit Telephone Meeting
May 20, 2025
On May 20, commencing at 16:10 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone meeting with H.E. Mr. Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his congratulations to Chancellor Merz on his inauguration and his election as Chancellor and stated that Japan-German relations are stronger and closer than ever, including through the Japan-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations, and that he would like to work closely with the Chancellor. Chancellor Merz expressed his gratitude and stated that he was pleased to be able to cooperate with Prime Minister Ishiba.
- Prime Minister Ishiba welcomed the steady progress in Japan-German security cooperation in recent years and Germany's enhanced involvement in the Indo-Pacific region, and expressed his willingness to strengthen cooperation in the field of economic security as well. Chancellor Merz stated that he would strengthen cooperation with Japan, as an important partner in Asia, in various fields including economy.
- The two leaders discussed a wide range of economic issues in detail, taking into account the impact of the U.S. tariff measures on global economy and the multilateral free trade system.
- The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in Europe and in the Indo-Pacific such as the situation in Ukraine and confirmed that they will work closely together on various challenges, that the international community is faced with.
- The two leaders concurred to continue close communication.