Japan-Poland Relations
Japan-Poland Foreign Ministers' Meeting
April 4, 2022
On April 4, commencing at 10:00 a.m. (local time; same day, 5:00 p.m. JST) for approximately one hour, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Poland as a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister, held a meeting with H.E. Prof. Zbigniew RAU, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. An overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that after their telephone talk the other day (on February 26), he was grateful to meet face-to-face. Minister Hayashi also stated that he was visiting Poland as a Special Envoy of Prime Minister Kishida to confirm the actual status of Ukrainian refugees and to understand their needs and issues so that Japan can provide support. He also expressed his sincere respect and solidarity with Poland, who is at the forefront of responding to Russia's aggression against Ukraine by accepting refugees. He also expressed his deep gratitude for Poland's cooperation in the evacuation of Japanese expatriates from Ukraine and the transportation of defense equipment from Japan to Ukraine.
- Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Minister Hayashi reiterated Japan's position regarding Russia's aggression against Ukraine. He stated that it was important for like-minded democracies to present a united front and continue resolute sanctions against Russia. The two ministers confirmed that they would firmly support the Ukrainian people who are fighting to protect their country. In addition, Minister Rau expressed his deep gratitude for Japan's solidarity including emergency humanitarian assistance to neighboring countries, such as Ukraine and Poland.
- The two ministers also exchanged views on bilateral relations and agreed to continue to work closely together as strategic partners to protect a free and open international order.