Countries & Regions
Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe by H.E. Mr. Paddy Burke, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann (Speaker of the Upper House)
On February 14, Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from Mr. Paddy Burke, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann (Speaker of the Upper House), during his stay in Japan. The following is an overview of the meeting:
1. At the beginning, Prime Minister Abe stated that the relationship between the two countries has developed remarkably since his visit to Ireland in June last year. Prime Minister Abe mentioned he was pleased to welcome the Cathaoirleach at a time when government-to-government exchanges have grown closer, including the visit to Japan by Mr. Enda Kenny, Taoiseach(Prime Minister) of Ireland, in December last year, and parliamentary exchanges are also moving ahead. The Cathaoirleach stated that he hopes the relationship between Japan and Ireland will continue to be strengthened in various fields, and he also praised Japan’s contributions in areas such as nuclear disarmament.
2. In response, Prime Minister Abe explained Japan’s nuclear disarmament initiatives, and stated that under the policy of Proactive Contribution to Peace he wishes to deepen ties with Ireland, which places an emphasis on United Nations PKO activities, in order to achieve global peace and stability.
3. Prime Minister Abe and the Cathaoirleach shared the recognition that the two countries will continue to deepen their cooperation in order to pursue economic development, including innovation utilization.