Japan-Lithuania Relations
Courtesy call on Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu by H.E Mr. Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania
On June 6, commencing at 2:30 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Chief Cabinet Secretary Mr. MATSUNO Hirokazu received a courtesy call from H.E. Mr. Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, who is visiting Japan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The overview is as follows:
At the beginning of the meeting, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno mentioned that Minister Landsbergis’ grandfather, Mr. Vytautas Landsbergis, then-Chairman of the Supreme Council of Lithuania, had visited Japan in March 1992, and that he and Mr. Watanabe Michio, then-Minister for Foreign Affairs, had met during his visit. Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno presented photos of their meeting, and Minister Landsbergis presented Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno a piece of Lithuanian amber.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno welcomed Minister Landsbergis' first visit to Japan while the security environment in Europe is changing drastically due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and stated that Japan and Lithuania have historical ties, including the "Visa for life" issued by Mr. Sugihara Chiune, and share fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, rule of law and human rights. They concurred on taking bilateral relations to a higher level, which marks the 100th anniversary this year, and on strengthening cooperation in dealing with Russia's aggression against Ukraine and realizing a "free and open Indo-Pacific".
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno stated that Russia's aggression against Ukraine undermines the very foundation of the international order not only in Europe but also in Asia, and that unilateral change of the status quo by force is not acceptable anywhere in the world. The two sides shared view that the unity of countries sharing fundamental values have never been more important, and confirmed that Japan and Lithuania will work closely together. Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno explained that Japan, as the only Asian country in the G7, is actively engaged in outreach to Asian countries, and Minister Landsbergis responded that he highly appreciated Japan's efforts, including sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine.
- The two sides also discussed regional affairs, and confirmed that they would continue to cooperate on such issues as economic coercion against Lithuania and the response to North Korea including its nuclear and missile issues such as the launch of ballistic missiles on the previous day (June 5th), as well as the abductions issue.