Japan-France Relations
Japan-France Foreign Ministers’ Luncheon Meeting
May 2, 2025
On May 2nd, commencing at 0:45 p.m. in local time (May 2nd, 7:45 p.m. JST) for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to France, held a luncheon meeting with H.E. Mr. Jean-Noël BARROT, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that, through this visit to France, he would like to further strengthen Japan-France relations including in the field of security and economy. Minister Iwaya also stated that the international community is facing various challenges, and that he would like to strengthen cooperation between Japan and France to maintain and strengthen free and open international order based on the rule of law. In response, Minister Barrot stated that he is pleased to welcome Minister Iwaya to France, and that he hopes to work more closely together with Japan , an “exceptional partner” which shares the values and principles with France.
- The two Ministers highly appreciated the Japan-France cooperation in the field of security in the Indo-Pacific region and they also welcomed the progress being made in cooperation to secure stable supplies of important minerals such as rare earths in the field of economic security. Additionally, the two Ministers confirmed that both countries will work together to prepare for milestones such as the 30th anniversary of the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris in 2027, the 170th anniversary of Japan-France friendship in 2028, and the 100th anniversary of the Maison du Japon of the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris in 2029.
- The two Ministers reaffirmed the shared recognition that the security of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable and confirmed that Japan and France will work closely together on the situation in Ukraine, and the situation in East Asia including the policies towards North Korea such as the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue. They also discussed various issues in the international community, such as the situation in the Middle East, including the situation in Gaza and Palestine.
- The two Ministers further discussed a wide range of economic issues including the impact of the U.S. tariff measures on the global economy and the multilateral free trade system.
- The two Ministers concurred to continue to cooperate closely both bilaterally and in the framework of the G7, which France will chair next year.