Europe

Japan-French Republic Foreign Ministers' Meeting

May 9, 2014

On Wednesday, May 7 for approximately one hour, Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida held a lunch meeting with H.E. Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development of the French Republic, at a restaurant in Paris. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Opening remarks

Foreign Minister Kishida expressed his condolences concerning the death of a French employee of a security company in a terrorist incident that occurred in the Republic of Yemen on May 5. Foreign Minister Fabius conveyed his gratitude.

2. Bilateral relations

Foreign Minister Kishida stated that he is pleased that Prime Minister Abe's visit to France from May 4 to 6 ended in success, and that the relations between Japan and France are currently excellent in a variety of fields including politics, security, economics, and culture. Foreign Minister Fabius commented that he shared the same recongnition. The two ministers agreed to conduct follow-ups related to the Prime Minister's visit to France.

3. Regional situation

(1) Ukraine

The two ministers expressed concern regarding the current situation in Ukraine, and shared the recognition that it will be important for the presidential election scheduled for May 25 to be carried out peacefully and democratically, and for the international community including the Russian Federation to recognize this election as being legitimate. Foreign Minister Kishida explained Japan's initiatives aimed at the stabilization of Ukraine, and Foreign Minister Fabius responded by highly praising Japan's contributions.

(2) North Korea

Foreign Minister Kishida stated that it is indispensable to fully resolve the abduction issue together with the nuclear and missile issues, and it is necessary for the international community to closely collaborate and send a unified message to North Korea. In response, Foreign Minister Fabius commented that the government of France supports Japan's ongoing initiatives related to North Korean issues.

(3) Africa

Foreign Minister Kishida explained Japan's policies on Africa, including the outcomes of the First TICAD V Ministerial Meeting that was held in the Republic of Cameroon on May 4 and 5. Foreign Minister Fabius stated that he highly praises the fact that Japan is contributing to the stability and development of Africa.

4. Global issues

Foreign Minister Fabius commented that France next year will serve as the chair of the 21st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21), and that France hopes to receive Japan's cooperation in order to make the conference a success. Foreign Minister Kishida stated that climate change is an important issue, and that Japan intends to cooperate with France during its chairmanship.