Japan-France Relations
Japan-France Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
March 26, 2026
On March 26, commencing at 5:00 p.m. local time (1:00 a.m. on March 27, Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting France to attend G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with H.E. Mr. Jean-Noël BARROT, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister MOTEGI stated that Japan attaches a significant importance to its relations with France, which is an "Exceptional Partner", and that he would like to work closely to elevate the Japan-France relations and address various challenges facing the international community. In response, Minister Barrot stated that he would like to further strengthen the collaboration between Japan and France, which share values and principles, amid the challenging international situation.
- Taking the opportunity of the forthcoming visit of President Macron to Japan, the two Foreign Ministers concurred to elevate Japan-France relations to new heights across a broad range of areas, including security and defense as well as economic security.
- The two Ministers exchanged views and concurred to continue to work closely together on various issues facing the international community. These issues include the situation in the Indo-Pacific, such as their policies toward North Korea, including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, the Middle East, and Ukraine.