Japan-Sweden Relations

　On December 15, commencing at 1:15 p.m. (local time) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, during his visit to New York to attend the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Briefing on Non-proliferation / Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, held a meeting with H.E. Ms. Margot Wallström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. The two ministers stated that the visit to Sweden by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July this year had led to the development of relations between Japan and Sweden in a broad range of fields. They shared the view that they would further enhance cooperation in wide-ranging areas towards next year, the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The ministers also shared the view that they would energetically progress negotiations on the social security agreement between the two countries.
2. Minister Kono explained Japan’s position with respect to North Korean issues, and stated that he would like to cooperate in order to maximize pressure on North Korea, including through the full implementation of relevant UNSC resolutions. The ministers shared the view that the UNSC had unanimously taken action on North Korean issues at this Briefing.
3. The ministers also exchanged views on international affairs including the situation in Myanmar.