Japan-Netherlands Relations
Japan-Netherlands Summit Telephone Talk
On January 24, commencing at 5:40 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Mark Rutte, Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The overview of the telephone talk is as follows.
1. At the beginning, Prime Minister Rutte explained that he was concerned about the North Korea situation and telephoned Prime Minister Abe in the hope of obtaining Japan’s expertise with the Netherlands beginning its terms as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and as Chair of its Sanctions Committee on North Korea. In response, Prime Minister Abe expressed his congratulations on the Netherlands’ appointment as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, and explained that although Japan’s term in the UNSC had terminated at the end of last year, Japan would like to coordinate closely with the Netherlands in order to continue to work together in addressing the various challenges confronting the international community.
2. Prime Minister Abe stated that as Chair of the Sanctions Committee on North Korea this year the Netherland’s role was important, and he would like to cooperate closely on North Korea’s nuclear and missile development issues. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe requested understanding and cooperation of the Netherlands for promptly resolving the abductions issue, and Prime Minister Rutte expressed his full support in response.
3. In addition, the two leaders shared the view that Japan and the Netherlands were important partners that shared fundamental values, and that they would further deepen bilateral relations on the basis of the strategic partnership.