Europe

On January 23, State Minister HORII held a meeting with H.E. Ms. Eléonore Caroit, Minister Delegate to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, responsible for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Citizens Abroad. They exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and France, which is an "exceptional partner" sharing values and principles with Japan. They also discussed regional affairs and affirmed their continued close cooperation, including at the G7, which France holds the presidency this year, to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

On January 23, State Minister HORII held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and extended his congratulations on his assumption of office. Both sides looked back on the fact that Japan, which marks the 75th anniversary of its membership this year, has long supported UNESCO across various fields, including education, science, and culture, and also affirmed that they will continue developing Japan-UNESCO relations through cooperation in diverse areas.

On January 23, State Minister HORII held a discussion with Japanese staff members of UNESCO. He received briefings on their current activities and offered words of encouragement, with exchanging views regarding Japan’s contributions in the field such as education, culture and disaster risk prevention, as well as challenges facing UNESCO.

On January 23, State Minister HORII visited the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris, a center for the promotion of Japanese culture and cultural exchange between Japan and France operated by the Japan Foundation, an independent administrative agency, with support from Japanese and French companies. Guided by Mr. Suzuki HITOSHI, President of the Institute, State Minister HORII visited the exhibition “Isao Takahata” and was briefed on the current situation of cultural exchange between Japan and France through the activities of the Institute.

On January 24, State Minister HORII visited Japan House London, one of Japan's strategic communication hubs. Guided by Director General Mr. Sam Thorne, he toured the facility including the exhibition “Hyakko; 100+ Makers from Japan” and exchanged views on strengthening of strategic global communication.