Japan-Norway Relations
Japan-Norwegian Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
July 26, 2024
On July 26th, commencing at 3:50 p.m. (local time; 5:50 p.m. on July 26th JST) for approximately 15 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Laos to attend ASEAN meetings, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Espen Barth EIDE, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa expressed her desire to further develop bilateral cooperation with Norway as a strategic partner, toward the 120th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations in 2025. Minister Kamikawa emphasized the importance of Japan-Nordic cooperation, including the announcement of the “Japan’s Nordic Diplomacy Initiative” and stated that she would like to promote concrete cooperation with the Nordic countries including on the Arctic. Minister Kamikawa also expressed her intention to reinforce collaboration to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. In response, Foreign Minister Eide stated that he would like to work together with Minister Kamikawa on regional affairs and challenges of the international community to enhance Japan-Norway relations and Japan-Nordic relations as well as the international order based on the rule of law.
- The two Ministers welcomed the progress in security cooperation, including the introduction of Norwegian-made missiles by the Self-Defense Forces, as well as in economic cooperation, including in green transition. They confirmed that they will work closely together, including in these areas as well as in the area of the sustainable use of marine living resources.
- The two Ministers also confirmed that the security of Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific are becoming increasingly inseparable. They also exchanged views on the response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the situation in East Asia such as dealing with North Korea, and reaffirmed their close collaboration.
- The two Ministers referred to the attacks on the high-speed railway that occurred in France, and concurred to work together so that the Olympic games would be held safely.