Japan-France Relations
Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Bayrou by Foreign Minister Iwaya
May 2, 2025
On May 2nd, commencing at 3:10 p.m. in local time (May 2nd, 10:10 p.m. JST) for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to France, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. François BAYROU, Prime Minister of the French Republic. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable, and that he would like to further strengthen the relationship with France to maintain and strengthen free and open international order based on the rule of law. In response, Prime Minister Bayrou stated that he hopes to work further closely with Japan, an “exceptional partner” which share the values and principles, under a severe international situation.
- Both sides highly appreciated the Japan-France cooperation in the field of security in the Indo-Pacific region and the progress made through concrete cooperation between the two countries in the field of economic security to strengthen the supply chain of mineral resources. Both sides concurred to further strengthen the bilateral relations through the visits of many dignitaries and officials to Japan during the opening period of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Minister Iwaya also expressed his expectation for France’s participation in the International Horticultural Expo 2027 (GREEN x EXPO 2027).
- Both sides confirmed that Japan and France will work closely together on various issues of the international community such as 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.
(Reference) GREEN×EXPO 2027 (International Horticultural Expo 2027)
GREEN×EXPO 2027 classified as the highest-level World Horticultural Exhibition, will be held from March to September 2027 in Yokohama. With the theme of “Scenery of the Future for Happiness”, the Expo aims to globally promote horticulture and landscape, to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, and to contribute to the resolution of social challenges such as climate change.