Japan-France Relations
Japan-France Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 4, 2022
On November 4, commencing at 11:30 a.m. (local time; November 4, 7:30 p.m. JST) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Germany to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, held a meeting with the H.E. Ms. Catherine COLONNA, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that he would like to continue to work closely with France, an exceptional partner, to deal with Russia's aggression against Ukraine and to strengthen the rule of law. In response, Minister Colonna stated that she attached great importance to the relations with Japan and that she would like to further strengthen bilateral relations between Japan and France in various fields, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
- The two Ministers concurred to consider specific cooperation in various fields including efforts to realize a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" in order to further deepen the cooperation between Japan and France. Minister Hayashi requested France’s cooperation towards the early lifting of import measures on Japanese food products by the EU.
- The two Ministers confirmed the importance of the unity of the G7 in support of Ukraine and continued sanctions against Russia in response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
- The two Ministers also exchanged views on regional affairs including China and North Korea, and have affirmed to continue to work together in addressing North Korea, such as the nuclear and missile issues including its series of ballistic missiles launches including on November 3, which could have been a launch of an ICBM, as well as the abductions issue.
- Furthermore, the two Ministers discussed the UN reforms, including the Security Council reform, and confirmed that they would continue to work together in this regard.