Japan-France Relations
Courtesy Call on Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide by H.E. Mr. Thierry Santa, President of the Government of New Caledonia
July 1, 2021
Courtesy Call on Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide by H.E. Mr. Thierry Santa, President of the Government of New Caledonia
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On July 1, commencing at 11:00 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, received a courtesy call from H.E. Mr. Thierry Santa, President of the Government of New Caledonia, in a video teleconference format. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Suga expressed his intention to further strengthen the partnership with Pacific Island countries and regions. In response, President Santa stated that the Government of New Caledonia intends to further enhance the relations with Japan as well. Both sides shared the view to cooperate toward the success of the 9th Pacific Islands Leaders’ Meeting.
- Prime Minister Suga stated that New Caledonia, where more than 10,000 Japanese descent live in, has a strong bond with Japan. He also expressed his intention to continue working with New Caledonia toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” , touching upon the cooperation such as joint exercises between Japanese Self-Defense Forces and French Armed Forces stationed in New Caledonia and hosting of Japan-France Comprehensive Maritime Dialogue in New Caledonia.
- In response, President Santa stated that he supports the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” promoted by Japan and expressed his gratitude for Japan’s initiatives in this region such as joint exercises with France and economic support toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”.