Japan-Slovakia Relations
Japan-Slovakia Summit Meeting
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On Thursday, April 25, commencing at 9:17 a.m. (local time) for approximately 40 minutes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during his visit to the Slovak Republic, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Peter Pellegrini, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic. The summary of the meeting is as follows.
1. Opening remarks
Prime Minister Pellegrini welcomed the first visit by a Japanese Prime Minister to the Slovak Republic, stating that he was greatly honored to host the “Visegrad Group plus Japan” Summit Meeting in addition to the bilateral summit meeting in Bratislava. In response, Prime Minister Abe stated that he was delighted to make the first visit as a Japanese Prime Minister to Slovakia, noting that he hopes to further deepen relations with Slovakia, showing an active presence in the international community, serving as the chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the chair of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting this year.
2. Cultural exchange
The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely to further develop the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Japan-Slovakia exchanges in 2020.
3. Economic relations
Prime Minister Abe welcomed the significant developments in bilateral economic relations, noting that currently more than 60 Japanese companies are doing business in Slovakia. In addition, Prime Minister Abe expressed the hope that the enter into force of the Agreement between Japan and the Slovak Republic on Social Security on July 1 will promote people-to-people and economic exchanges between the two countries.
Prime Minister Abe stated that in order to promote investment in Slovakia, which has great further potential with advantages as a manufacturing hub, Japan has decided to dispatch a Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) mission to Slovakia. He also expressed the hope that the entry into force of the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) will further promote economic relations. In response, Prime Minister Pellegrini referred to the potential of the V4 countries, particularly Slovakia, and the two leaders shared the view that the two countries will further develop bilateral economic relations.
Prime Minister Abe introduced Japan’s efforts in G20 to promote free flow of data, and Prime Minister Pellegrini expressed support for this initiative.
4. Regional situation
The two leaders exchanged views on the regional and international situation, including the issue of North Korea. Prime Minister Abe asked for understanding and cooperation for the early resolution of the abductions issue, a top priority for the Abe administration, and received the support of Prime Minister Pellegrini.