Japan-EU Relations
Meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and European Council President Michel
September 27, 2022
Meeting with European Council President Michel
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
Meeting with European Council President Michel
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On September 27, commencing at 9:05 a.m. for about 20 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, who was visiting Japan to attend the state funeral for the late Abe Shinzo. The summary of the meeting is as follows.
1. Introduction
- （1）At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude to President Michel, a G7 leader, for attending the state funeral for the late Abe Shinzo. Prime Minister Kishida, while expressing his appreciation for President Michel's visit to Hiroshima in May of this year on the occasion of the Japan-EU Summit Meeting, also stated that he would like to continue to cooperate with President Michel in international efforts toward a “world without nuclear weapons.”
- （2）Then, President Michel expressed his desire to further develop the diplomatic legacy inherited from Former Prime Minister Abe, who had greatly contributed to closer Japan-EU relations, with Prime Minister Kishida. He also stated that his visit to Hiroshima remains as an unforgettable memory and expressed his desire to cooperate for the success of next year's G7 Hiroshima Summit.
2. Global Challenges
- （1）The two leaders shared the recognition that it is extremely important to maintain the unity of the G7 in dealing with the situation in Ukraine and confirmed their determination to maintain strong sanctions against Russia to support Ukraine in close cooperation with the EU and other countries in the framework of the G7 under the presidency of Japan next year.
- （2）The two leaders shared serious concerns over attempts to unilaterally change the status quo and North Korea's nuclear and missile development, and confirmed that they will work closely together in the G7 and among like-minded countries to address the series of issues, including the abductions issue.
3. Japan-EU Relations
- （1）Prime Minister Kishida reiterated Japan’s request for the early lifting of the EU’s import measures on Japanese food products. President Michel welcomed Japan’s review of the border control measures, including the resumption of visa exemption measures. The two leaders concurred to promote exchanges between Japan and the EU.
- （2）The two leaders concurred to continue to work together to steadily develop Japan-EU relations.