Japan-EU Relations
Attendance of Ambassador MASAKI Yasushi to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (virtual format)
April 15, 2021
On Tuesday, April 13, Ambassador MASAKI Yasushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the European Union, attended the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) of the European Parliament, where he discussed the partnership between Japan and the EU with the committee members as well as members of the Delegation for relations with Japan. Also present was Mr. Gunnar Wiegand, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific as a representative from the European External Action Service (EEAS).
- While recalling the importance for Japan and the EU to work together on common priorities including the green and digital transitions, Ambassador Masaki explained the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”, and welcomed Europe’s increasing interest in the Indo-Pacific region. He explained about Japan’s position on the East and the South China Seas and North Korea including the abductions issue, and pointed out the growing concerns over the human rights situation in the region. Against this backdrop, he emphasized the importance of a rule-based international order.
- His statement was echoed by the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who took the floor, expressing their strong expectations for the partnership between Japan and the EU. Ambassador Masaki and the MEPs concurred on the need for a continued dialogue between Japan and the EU to closely coordinate strategies and actions, including at the parliamentary level.
