Japan-Finland Relations

(1) Prime Minister Abe expressed his condolences on the passing of former president Mauno Koivisto.

(2) The two leaders agreed to further develop the strategic relations of the two countries and to strengthen their cooperation toward the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2019 in such fields as economy, defense, environment and health.

(3) Given the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation regarding environmental cooperation between the National Institute for Environmental Studies of Japan and the Finnish Environment Institute SYKE on July 9, Prime Minister Abe welcomed that signing of the Memorandum regarding research cooperation between research institutions in the two countries in the area of environment. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in the areas of environment and medicine.

(4) The two leaders also confirmed their cooperation in the area of empowerment of women.

(1) Regarding the Japan-EU relations, Prime Minister Abe stated that we must maintain a free and open international community based on rules and that he expected that Europe would continue to be a partner of Japan and the United States to tackle the issues of the international community. From that perspective, he stated that he supported a strong Europe and that he expected that even after the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the EU, a unified Europe would actively contribute to the peace and stability of the international community.

(2) Regarding the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, Prime Minister Abe stated that he was paying close attention to the UK’s negotiations to exit the EU, and requested consideration to be given to minimizing impact on companies by the exit.

(3) Regarding the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Prime Minister Abe stated that in the context of recent tendency of protectionism, the achievement of the agreement in principle on the EPA and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) demonstrated the strong political will of Japan and the EU to continue to raise the banner of free trade high, which was a powerful message to the world. Prime Minister Abe asked for continued cooperation toward the early conclusion of these agreements.

(4) In response, President Niinistö agreed with the maintenance of an international community based on rules and stated that the agreement in principle of the Japan-EU EPA was important from this perspective and that he would like to promote a strong Europe.

(5) Moreover, Prime Minister Abe called for cooperation for the removal of the EU import restrictions on Japanese products such as foods including those made in Fukushima Prefecture. President Niinistö stated that he would like to properly consult with the EU on this point.

Regarding Arctic policy, Prime Minister Abe welcomed Finland’s accession to the chairmanship of the Arctic Council, and stated that Japan would contribute even more actively to the activities of the Arctic Council under the leadership of Finland. Furthermore, the two leaders agreed to promote cooperation is such areas as environmental protection of the Arctic.

(1) Regarding the situations in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, the two leaders agreed to continue to cooperate closely in order to maintain the international order based on the rule of law.

(2) Regarding North Korea, the two leaders confirmed that, taking into consideration the ballistic missile launch on July 4, what would be needed now was not dialogue but stronger pressure on North Korea, and that the role of China was important. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe asked for understanding and cooperation toward the early resolution of the abductions issue, and obtained the understanding of President Niinistö.

(3) Regarding Russia, Prime Minister Abe explained the recent Japan-Russia relations including the Japan-Russia Summit Meeting on July 7. The two leaders confirmed that they would cooperate in advancing policies toward Russia.