Japan-EU Relations
Japan-EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 4, 2022
On November 4, commencing at 9:10 a.m. (local time; 5:10 p.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Munster, Germany to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that at a time when the international community is facing a historic turning point, he was pleased that the G7 and other like-minded countries are working closely together to address various issues including Russia's aggression against Ukraine. He also expressed his desire to continue to cooperate closely with the EU, with whom Japan shares fundamental values, in order to defend the international order based on the rule of law. High Representative Borrell stated that the EU's response to Ukraine is of the utmost importance to the EU. They shared the view to continue to work together with the international community as the G7 in addressing the issue of sanctions against Russia, assistance for the reconstruction of Ukraine, and other issues.
- In addition to the situation in Russia and Ukraine, they exchanged views on a wide range of regional situations, including East Asia. They confirmed that they would continue to work together in addressing North Korea, such as the nuclear and missile issues, including its series of ballistic missile launches such as the one on November 3 which could have been a launch of an ICBM, as well as the abductions issue.