Japan-Poland Relations
Japan-Poland Summit Meeting, Joint Press Occasion, and Dinner
（Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office）
（Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office）
（Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office）
1. Japan-Poland Summit Meeting
On February 27, commencing at 6:10 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Bronisław Komorowski, President of the Republic of Poland, during his working visit to Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
(1) Strategic partnership
After welcoming President Komorowski’s visit to Japan, Prime Minister Abe stated that Poland is “the leading country of Central and Eastern Europe,” which shares fundamental values such as freedom, democracy and human rights with Japan, and expressed his intension to upgrade the relationship to the strategic dimension as an important partner for addressing global issues.
In response, President Komorowski expressed his gratitude for this visit, and stated that Poland will strengthen the strategic partnership with Japan.
(2) Japan-EU relations
Prime Minister Abe stated that the appointment of H.E. Mr. Donald Tusk, former Prime Minister of Poland, as President of the European Council is an evidence that Poland has established a firm position within the EU, and that Japan intends to cooperate with Poland, a driving force of the EU, to strengthen the Japan-EU relations. Prime Minister Abe also expressed Japan’s will to cooperate to reach an agreement on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) at an early date.
In response, President Komorowski reiterated his support for the Japan-EU EPA.
(3) Political relations
Prime Minister Abe explained Japan’s policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace.”
In response, President Komorowski supported Japan’s idea.
Following this, Prime Minister Abe expressed his gratitude for the sympathy and solidarity from Poland over the hostage incident in Syria. He also explained that Japan will never give in to terrorism, and that Japan will continue to steadfastly fulfill its responsibility in the international community to combat terrorism.
In response, President Komorowski once again extended his condolences over the hostage incident, and appreciated Japan’s firm stance against terrorism.
(4) Situation in Ukraine
Prime Minister Abe expressed his concern about the situation in Eastern Ukraine, where hostilities are ongoing in some areas even after the ceasefire agreement, and stated that all the relevant parties should take actions to fulfill the ceasefire agreement. Prime Minister Abe also stated that Japan will support Ukraine’s effort for its stabilization and reform.
President Komorowski stated that Poland supports the ceasefire agreement and implements support to Ukraine. He also expressed his gratitude for Japan’s assistance to Ukraine.
(5) Economic relations
Prime Minister Abe stated that approximately 300 Japanese companies have expanded their business to Poland, and emphasized the importance of infrastructure development within Poland for further investment.
Additionally, the two leaders shared the view that the two countries will continue to cooperate in energy sector, including the promotion of highly effective coal-fired thermal power generation.
2. Joint Press Occasion, Signing Ceremony and Dinner
(1) Following the summit meeting, the Joint Statement between Japan and Poland “Building Framework for Strategic Partnership for Freedom, Growth and Solidarity” (PDF)
was released.
(2) At the signing ceremony, the Japan-Poland Working Holiday Agreement (English (PDF) / Polish (PDF) / Japanese (PDF) ) was signed. The revised Memorandums on Strengthening Mutual Cooperation between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency (PAIiIZ) was also exchanged.
(3) At the end, Prime Minister Abe and Mrs. Abe hosted a dinner in a friendly atmosphere, and exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral topics, including cultural exchanges.