Japan-EU Relations
2nd Japan-EU Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue
On April 4, commencing at 2:55 p.m. for approximately 65 minutes (local time; 9:55 p.m. Japan time), Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting Belgium to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held the 2nd Japan-EU Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue with H.E. Ms. Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission. The overview of the Strategic Dialogue is as follows.
1. Opening Remarks
Minister Iwaya stated that in the midst of the current global upheaval, cooperation among like-minded countries is more important than ever. Minister Iwaya also expressed his desire to work closely with High Representative Kallas to maintain a free and open international order based on the rule of law. HRVP Kalllas stated that she was glad to meet Minister Iwaya frequently including on the occasion of G20 and G7, and that she would like to further strengthen the Japan-EU relations through this 2nd Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue.
2. Japan-EU Relations
Minister Iwaya showed his respect for the EU's significant role in strengthening European defence capabilities, including the presentation of the White Paper for European Defence and the agreement to promote the ReArm Europe Plan. Minister Iwaya also expressed his high recognition for the White Paper for European Defence, which explicitly states the importance of strengthening security and defence cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific region, including Japan. Minister Iwaya also stated his intention to steadily implement cooperation based on the Security and Defence Partnership announced last November. Both sides concurred to strengthen concrete cooperation and dialogue in areas such as defence industry, maritime security, cyber, space, and responses to hybrid threats.
3. Regional and International Situation
Both sides had candid discussions on regional situations, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East. Both sides reaffirmed their shared understanding that the security of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable and confirmed their commitment to continued close cooperation between Japan and the EU, as well as within the G7. Minister Iwaya asked for EU’s understanding and cooperation for the early resolution of the abductions issue. In response, HRVP Kallas stated that the EU fully supports Japan’s efforts.