Japan-EU Relations
Attendance by State Minister KUNIMITSU at the EU Presidency Inauguration Event hosted by the Embassy of Ireland in Japan
July 7, 2026
On July 7, Dr. KUNIMITSU Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the EU Presidency Inauguration Event hosted by the Embassy of Ireland in Japan to commemorate Ireland’s assumption of the EU Presidency for the second half of this year, and delivered an address.
- State Minister KUNIMITSU extended congratulations to Ireland, a valued partner of Japan, on assuming the EU Presidency, and conveyed Japan's hope to further develop Japan-EU relations through cooperation with the Irish Presidency.
- State Minister KUNIMITSU stated that, especially in an era when regional crises have impacts beyond their regions, it is important to communicate through dialogue and to explore modalities for cross-regional cooperation, and that Japan, as a reliable strategic partner, intends to further deepen cooperation with the EU and its member states.
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The Presidency of the Council of the European Union rotates among member states every six months. The Presidency chairs various Council meetings (except the Foreign Affairs Council) and represents the Council in relations with other EU institutions.