Japan-France Relations

Prime Minister Abe welcomed Prime Minister Valls on his first visit to Japan, and Prime Minister Valls replied by thanking Prime Minister Abe for his hospitality and stating that the dinner was evidence of amity and friendship. Prime Minister Valls also explained that he had been entrusted with a message of warm regards from H.E. Mr. François Hollande, President of the French Republic.

Prime Minister Abe explained that as a result of “Abenomics”, a positive economic cycle is steadily beginning to turn, and that he intends to continue to work on labor market reform and women’s participation in society. Prime Minister Valls displayed a high level of interest, and he also outlined efforts by the French Government to achieve economic growth and reduce unemployment. The two leaders confirmed the need to engage in reform, even if it is difficult, in order to achieve economic growth.

Additionally, Prime Minister Abe stated that it was good that Prime Minister Valls visited Kyoto, which prides itself on culture and tradition, in addition to visiting Tokyo, an international city. Prime Minister Abe explained that the number of tourists visiting Japan is growing substantially, although not on the scale seen in France.

Prime Minister Valls asked Prime Minister Abe what his impressions were when he visited New York to attend the UN General Assembly. Prime Minister Abe replied that the matters of interest were refugees, climate change and reform of the United Nations, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary of its foundation, and explained the necessity of the Security Council reform. Prime Minister Valls stated that it is important to cooperate with Japan, with which France shares common values, and he once again expressed his support for Japan’s permanent membership on the Security Council.

(1) In regard to the situation in Ukraine, Prime Minister Valls explained the outcomes of the Summit Meeting between Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine that was held in Paris on October 2, and the outlook going forward. Both sides shared the view that they will continue to encourage all the parties concerned to steadfastly implement the Minsk Agreement, attaching importance to the solidarity of the G7, and work closely together in order to achieve a peaceful solution of the situation.

(2) The two leaders exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, including Syria. In the course, Prime Minister Valls explained the current situation concerning the issue of refugees in Europe. They shared the view that it is important to make efforts to stabilize the Middle East in order to address the issue of refugees. Furthermore, Prime Minister Valls expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support.

(3) In response to questions from Prime Minister Valls, Prime Minister Abe explained the situations in Russia and East Asia, including China and North Korea, and they had an exchange of views on those.

The two leaders shared the view that Japan and France will further promote cooperation in Africa as well as cooperation on nuclear energy in the field of nuclear safety and in third-party countries.