Japan-Iceland Relations

On October 19, commencing at 11:05 a.m. local time (8:05 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting Iceland, held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with H.E. Mr. Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Iceland. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Minister Thordarson stated that he wholeheartedly welcomed the visit by Minister Kono. He stated that Japan was an extremely important partner for Iceland and that he would like to further strengthen bilateral relations, utilizing the momentum created by Minister Kono’s visit this time.
2. Minister Kono stated that Iceland was an important partner sharing fundamental values including the rule of law, human rights, democracy, and the promotion of free trade, and that he welcomed the progress of cooperation in a variety of fields made within half a year since the previous Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in May 2018, including the start of the working holiday system and holding of a policy dialogue.
3. Both ministers shared the view that they would cooperate to maintain the rules-based international economic order and free trade system against the growing protectionist movement. They expressed their expectations for the further progress of both countries’ economic relations with the entry into force of the Tax Convention between both countries on October 31.
4. Both ministers shared the view on the continued enhancement of cooperation in a wide range of areas including the Arctic.
5. With regard to the North Korea situation, the two ministers shared the position that it is indispensable to fully implement the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions(UNSCRs) toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. In addition, Minister Kono asked for understanding and cooperation toward the early resolution of the abductions issue and gained the support by Minister Thordarson.