Europe
Foreign Ministers’ Informal Talks at the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum
May 13, 2023
On May 13 (local time on May 13), Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting Stockholm to attend the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, held informal talks respectively with H.E. Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, H.E. Ms. Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, and Mr. Derek Chollet, Counselor of the U.S. Department of State. The outline of these talks is as follows.
- In the informal talk with High Representative Borrell, they agreed to identify a direction to further strengthen Japan-EU security cooperation on the occasion of the upcoming Japan-EU Summit in order to further develop security and defence cooperation between Japan and the EU. Furthermore, Minister Hayashi requested the early lifting of import measures on Japanese food products by the EU.
- In the informal talk with Minister Colonna, the two Ministers agreed to work together for the success of the upcoming G7 Hiroshima Summit, based on the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Karuizawa, the Japan-France Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on that occasion, and the Japan-France Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting ("2+2"). They also exchanged views on the situation in East Asia, including China.
- In the informal talk with Mr. Derek Chollet, they exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including the Japan-U.S. relationship, the situation in East Asia and Southeast Asia, and confirmed Japan-U.S. cooperation at all levels.