Japan-Portugal Relations
Japan-Portugal Foreign Minister’s Meeting
April 4, 2023
On April 4th, commencing at 6:05 p.m. (local time; April 5th, 1:05 a.m. JST), for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. João GOMES CRAVINHO, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi expressed his pleasure to meet Minister GOMES CRAVINHO for the first time and stated that he hoped to further strengthen relations between both countries on the occasion of the 480th anniversary of exchange between Japan and Portugal in 2023. The two Ministers concurred that both countries, as important partners who share fundamental values, would work closely together to uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law and that they would promote bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas.
- The two Ministers shared that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act that undermines the foundation of the international order and the importance for like-minded countries to unite to maintain strict sanctions against Russia and strong support for Ukraine.
- The Ministers also exchanged views on the situation in North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue, as well as on China. The two Ministers also agreed to continue cooperation at the UN and other international fora.
- Minister Hayashi asked for Portugal's cooperation in the early removal of import restrictions by the EU on Japanese food products.