Europe

(1) Minister Kishida congratulated Minister Mogherini on her nomination as the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union (EU). Then, Minister Kishida stated that he would like to cooperate with her in various ways from the latter half of this year, from which Italy would chair the EU, toward the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy in 2016 in order to enhance the bilateral relations.

(2) Expressing her recognition that the two countries had built good relations politically and economically, Minister Mogherini expressed her determination that she would also make efforts as the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU to enhance the relationship with Japan by utilizing opportunities such as the conclusion of the Agreement on the Security of Information being discussed between the two countries and bilateral exchanges toward the EXPO Milano 2015.

(1) Minister Kishida stated that since Japan and the EU are global partners sharing basic values, he would like to enhance cooperation with the EU in various ways, and, particularly concerning the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), he would like to accelerate the negotiations toward an agreement in principle within the year 2015.

(2) Minister Mogherini stated that since Japan and Italy are major actors of the international society, she would like to cooperate with Japan in G7 and G20. Minister Mogherini also stated that it would be especially important that the two countries would cooperate not only for the economy but also for the peace and stability of the world through the conclusion of the Japan-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).

In addition to the above, the two ministers exchanged opinions on the situations in Ukraine, the Middle East and East Asia. The two ministers shared the view that concerning the situation in Ukraine, it would be important to promote dialogue between Ukraine and Russia while closely watching the situation of the ceasefire agreement. Concerning the situation in Iraq, the two ministers shared their views that it would be important to oppose against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and to expect progress in the efforts for strengthening the unity of the nation, while welcoming the establishment of a comprehensive and stable government. In terms of the situation in East Asia, the two ministers shared their views that although the security environment in this region was still severe, it would be important to prevent the escalation of confrontation and that international society should closely watch the situation for this purpose.