Japan-France Relations

On March 4, State Minister Yamada had a luncheon meeting with H.E. Mr. Jean-François CARENCO, Minister Delegate for Overseas Territories, attached to the Minister of Interior and Overseas Territories of the French Republic.
State Minister Yamada explained the idea behind the decision to open a consular office in Nouméa in New Caledonia, which has a geopolitical importance, and expressed his desire to further promote Japan-France cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region by using this office as a stronghold. State Minister Yamada and Minister Delegate Carenco shared the view to continue to closely work together to promote cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

On March 4, State Minister Yamada held a meeting with Brigadier Valéry PUTZ, Commandant of the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia.
During the meeting, State Minister Yamada mentioned that the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC) have conducted joint training exercises successively and expressed his desire to further promote Japan-France cooperation by using the Consular Office in Nouméa as a stronghold. State Minister Yamada and Brigadier Putz shared the view to further promote security and defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

On March 4, State Minister Yamada received a courtesy call by Ms. Sonia LAGARDE, Mayor of Nouméa, New Caledonia.
They shared the view to further develop interaction of people and cultural exchanges between Japan and Nouméa by using the Consular Office of Japan in Nouméa as a stronghold.

On March 4, State Minister Yamada attended and delivered a speech at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Consular Office in Nouméa and reception held at the Nouméa City Hall.
The Inauguration Ceremony and reception were attended by H.E. Mr. Gérald DARMANIN, Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Jean-François CARENCO, Minister Delegate for Overseas Territories, attached to the Minister of Interior and Overseas Territories of the French Republic, H.E. Ms. Sonia BACKÈS, State Secretary for Citizenship, attached to the Minister of Interior and Overseas Territories, Ms. Sonia LAGARDE, Mayor of Nouméa, and other relevant officials, as well as many participants including local Japanese companies and Japan-related associations.
In his speech, State Minister Yamada stated that French New Caledonia is located at a geopolitically strategic point in the Pacific region and is an extremely important partner in promoting efforts to realize a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific". He expressed his hope that the inauguration of the Consular Office in Nouméa would further strengthen the relationship between Japan and France as well as New Caledonia.

On March 4, Mr. State Minister Yamada held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Gérald DARMANIN, Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories of the French Republic.
During the meeting, State Minister Yamada referred to the importance of promoting cooperation between Japan and France as exceptional partners, and expressed his desire to further promote Japan-France cooperation by using the Consular Office in Nouméa as a stronghold. Minister Darmanin welcomed the inauguration of the Consular Office and expressed his hope that the bilateral cooperation would be further strengthened.

On March 5, State Minister Yamada visited the Japanese Cemetery and the Cenotaph for the Submarine Crews of the former Imperial Japanese Navy and offered flowers. Afterwards, he attended a luncheon meeting with former honorary consuls and members of the Japan friendship association (Amicale Japonaise), who have been involved in the maintenance of the Cemetery and Cenotaph for many years. During the luncheon, State Minister Yamada received presentations on the history of Japanese people and descendants in New Caledonia and expressed his appreciation for their longstanding activities to promote understanding on Japan in New Caledonia, such as through the Tanabata Festival and other Japan-related events, in addition to the maintenance of the cemetery and the cenotaph. The participants welcomed the first visit to New Caledonia by a State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan and expressed their wish to continue their efforts to develop Japan-New Caledonia relations.
Furthermore, on the same day, State Minister Yamada visited a factory of the largest nickel producing company in New Caledonia, which is of great importance from the perspective of economic security, and exchanged views with the company's executives on issues related to the stable supply of nickel to Japan. On the same day, State Minister Yamada also visited some facilities related to the history of Japanese descendants.