Japan-France Relations
Japan-France Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
February 21, 2024
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa welcomed Minister Séjourné ’s appointment as Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and expressed her gratitude for President Macron’s message of sympathy in the wake of the Noto Peninsula earthquake. She also stated that she hopes to further advance Japan-France relations by following up on the Roadmap on Japan-France Cooperation under the “Exceptional Partnership” announced by Prime Minister Kishida and President Macron in December last year.
- In response, Minister Séjourné stated that he was pleased to meet Minister Kamikawa in person, and expressed his desire to work in order to achieve concrete results and to further strengthen the relationship with Japan.
- The two Ministers shared the recognition that Japan and France are both “Indo-Pacific nations,” and that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable. Minister Kamikawa mentioned on the 5th Interim Ministerial Meeting of the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) held in the Republic of Fiji last week, and they exchanged views on cooperation in Pacific island countries. In addition, the two Ministers welcomed the steady implementation of the Roadmap on Japan-France cooperation, as shown by the first Japan-France Economic Security Working Group held this month, and the progress in start-up sector, such as Japan being selected as the country of the year at the VivaTech to be held in Paris in May.
- The two Ministers also exchanged views on the regional affairs and agreed to continue to provide support to Ukraine in an unwavering manner. In this context, Minister Séjourné highly appreciated Japan’s support for Ukraine, including the holding of the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction. The two Ministers also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and East Asia such as the response to North Korea including nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, and concurred to work closely together. In addition, they concurred to deepen cooperation in the field of AI.