Japan-EU Relations
Meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and President von der Leyen of the European Commission
November 14, 2022
Japan-EU Summit Meeting
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
Japan-EU Summit Meeting
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On November 14, commencing at 6:30 p.m. (local time; 5:30 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, met with H. E. Dr. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, while visiting Indonesia to attend the G20 Bali Summit. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida stated that, as the international community faces a historic turning point toward the end of the post-Cold War era, it is important for Japan, the EU and the G7, which share fundamental values, to work together, and expressed his desire to cooperate with the EU in dealing with various issues facing the international community, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and in realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” European Commission President von der Leyen then expressed her desire to continue to work closely with Japan, a like-minded country that shares fundamental values with the EU, in addressing challenges facing the international community, such as the situation in Ukraine.
- The two leaders shared the view that, in dealing with Russia's aggression against Ukraine, it is important for the international community to be united in continuing strong sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine. They also confirmed that the threat of nuclear weapons by Russia is never acceptable, let alone their use, and that it is important for the international community to send a clear message and to work in close cooperation.
- The two leaders also exchanged views regarding regional affairs, including China and North Korea. They shared their concerns to any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion in the East and South China Seas . They also shared serious concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile issue, and confirmed that they will work closely in dealing with North Korea, including the abductions issue.
- Prime Minister Kishida reiterated the early lifting of import measures on Japanese food products by the EU. The two leaders also agreed to continue to cooperate in order to steadily develop Japan-EU relations.