Japan-Netherlands Relations
Japan-Netherlands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On May 21, commencing at around noon (0 a.m. on May 22, Japan time) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who was visiting Buenos Aires to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held a foreign ministers’ meeting with H.E. Mr. Stef Blok, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Bilateral relations
(1) Minister Kono congratulated Minister Blok on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs and expressed his intention to continue to work closely together in a wide range of fields with the Netherlands, a strategic partner sharing fundamental values, a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Chair of the UNSC Sanctions Committee on North Korea.
(2) Minister Blok stated that he would like to deepen cooperation with Japan, an important partner for the Netherlands, in a wide range of areas including economy. Furthermore, he stated that the Netherlands, as Chair of the UNSC Sanctions Committee on North Korea, would like fulfill its role according in close coordination with Japan.
2. North Korea
Minister Kono explained Japan’s fundamental position on North Korea issues, including the dismantlement of its weapons of mass destruction and of ballistic missiles. The two ministers shared the view that they maintain the pressure of the international community and continue to work closely together.
3. Iran
The two ministers exchanged views on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran, and confirmed that they would continue to work closely together towards the stabilization of the region.