Japan-EU Relations

Minister Motegi stated that, amid an increasingly severe security environment, it is important for Japan and the EU as trusted strategic partners to maintain close communication and cooperation. Minister Motegi also stated that he would like to work with High Representative Kallas to further elevate the Japan-EU relationship not only in the close economic and trade ties that form its backbone but also in the political and security fields. High Representative Kallas echoed this view, noting that she would like to further strengthen Japan-EU relations through this 3rd Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue.

Minister Motegi stated that while the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable and that new challenges that transcend borders are shaking our security, it is important to further deepen the strategic cooperation between Japan and the EU. In this regard, he emphasized that Japan intends to deepen strategic partnership with the EU and its member states in areas such as defense industry cooperation, cooperation in advanced technology fields including dual-use technologies, and the strengthening of supply chain resilience for critical materials including critical minerals. High Representative Kallas expressed the same view, and both sides concurred that they would further strengthen concrete cooperation and dialogue based on the Japan-EU Security and Defence Partnership.

The two sides exchanged candid views on regional affairs including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific such as their policies toward North Korea, including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, and the Middle East. They confirmed that they would continue to work closely together in the international community, including through multilateral frameworks such as the G7. Minister Motegi requested understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and High Representative Kallas expressed EU’s full support for Japan’s efforts.