Japan-France Relations

May 13, 2022
A commemorative photo before Japan-France Foreign Ministers' meeting

On May 12, commencing at 4:30 p.m. (11:30 p.m., JST) for approximately 30 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 H.E. Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

  1. At the outset, Minister Hayashi congratulated the re-election of President Macron. He stated that the bilateral cooperation between Japan and France as exceptional partners is extremely important and he hopes to continue their close coordination in dealing with the challenges the international community faces including the Ukrainian situation and in achieving a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”. In response, Minister Le Drian stated that he attaches great importance to the relations with Japan and hopes to deepen cooperation with Japan in a wide variety of fields, including in the Indo-Pacific.
  2. The two ministers confirmed the importance of close collaboration of international community including G7. Minister Hayashi explained the outcome of the recent visit of Prime Minister Kishida to South East Asia and his visit to Central Asia, Mongolia, Fiji and Palau.
  3. The two ministers shared the view that the security of Europe and Indo-Pacific region is indivisible and unilateral changes to the status quo by force is not acceptable anywhere in the world. Minister Hayashi appreciated the leadership of France in enhancing EU’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and the two ministers confirmed that they would promote concrete cooperation through a range of consultations in order to realize the bilateral cooperation in a multi-layered manner.

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