Japan-Romania Relations
Japan-Romania Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
December 15, 2019
On Sunday, December 15, commencing at 4:30 p.m. (local time; Monday, December 16, 12:30 a.m. JST) for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Bogdan Aurescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, in the Kingdom of Spain where Minister Motegi was visiting to attend the 14th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Minister Motegi and Minister Aurescu reaffirmed their commitment to building a strategic partnership, which was confirmed at the Japan-Romania Summit Meeting in October 2019. In addition, the two ministers shared the view on cooperating to build up tangible achievements, in the lead-up to the 100th anniversary of establishment of Japan-Romania diplomatic relations in 2021.
The two ministers shared the view that they will take the opportunity of the anniversary year 2021 to strengthen their relationship in a variety of areas, including people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
2. Minister Motegi stated that, with regard to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU), Japan is closely following the situation after the general election in UK. Minister Motegi expressed his expectations that the withdrawal will take place upon negotiations during the transition period on future UK-EU relation and in a manner that does not cause disruption. In response, Minister Aurescu explained his outlook for the negotiations, and noted on Romania’s intention to make as much contributions as possible to the process.
3. During their discussions of regional situations in East Asia and Europe and relations with the United States, the two ministers shared the view on the importance of ensuring the rule of law and freedom of navigation, along with the importance of cooperation with the United States. The two ministers also exchanged views regarding the Western Balkans, and shared the view on continuing to coordinate to support the European integration of the Western Balkans.
4. The two ministers exchanged views regarding North Korea issues, including the recent situation, and shared the view on continuing to work closely toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea, including full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, Japan sought Romania’s understanding and cooperation for the early resolution of the abductions issue and obtained its support.
1. Minister Motegi and Minister Aurescu reaffirmed their commitment to building a strategic partnership, which was confirmed at the Japan-Romania Summit Meeting in October 2019. In addition, the two ministers shared the view on cooperating to build up tangible achievements, in the lead-up to the 100th anniversary of establishment of Japan-Romania diplomatic relations in 2021.
The two ministers shared the view that they will take the opportunity of the anniversary year 2021 to strengthen their relationship in a variety of areas, including people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
2. Minister Motegi stated that, with regard to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU), Japan is closely following the situation after the general election in UK. Minister Motegi expressed his expectations that the withdrawal will take place upon negotiations during the transition period on future UK-EU relation and in a manner that does not cause disruption. In response, Minister Aurescu explained his outlook for the negotiations, and noted on Romania’s intention to make as much contributions as possible to the process.
3. During their discussions of regional situations in East Asia and Europe and relations with the United States, the two ministers shared the view on the importance of ensuring the rule of law and freedom of navigation, along with the importance of cooperation with the United States. The two ministers also exchanged views regarding the Western Balkans, and shared the view on continuing to coordinate to support the European integration of the Western Balkans.
4. The two ministers exchanged views regarding North Korea issues, including the recent situation, and shared the view on continuing to work closely toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea, including full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, Japan sought Romania’s understanding and cooperation for the early resolution of the abductions issue and obtained its support.