Japan-Sweden Relations
Japan-Sweden Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Breakfast Meeting)
May 14, 2023
On May 14th, commencing at 8:05 a.m. (local time; May 14th, 3:05 p.m. JST), for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting Stockholm, the Kingdom of Sweden, to attend the EU-Sweden Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, held a breakfast meeting with H.E. Mr. Tobias BILLSTRÖM, Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom of Sweden. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude for the invitation to the EU-Sweden Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum and said that he welcomed the progress of cooperation in many areas, including security, on the basis of bilateral friendship. In response, Minister Bilström stated that he welcomed Minister Hayashi's visit to Sweden and expressed his wish to further strengthen bilateral relations in various fields through this meeting.
- Minister Hayashi pointed out that the international security environment has become more severe, and he stated that cooperation with the like-minded countries has become more important than ever, and expressed Japan’s support for Sweden's decision to apply for NATO membership from such a perspective. In response, Minister Bilström said that he hoped that NATO membership will be realized and contribute to strengthening the security of Europe, and he welcomed that Japan has been strengthening cooperation with NATO. The two Ministers shared the view that the security of Europe and that of Indo-Pacific is inseparable, and concurred to work to strengthen the security cooperation including the aspect of economic security. Furthermore, Minister Hayashi explained Japan’s concept for the G7 Hiroshima Summit, and Minister Bilström welcomed the initiatives of Japan, who holds the G7 Presidency.
- The two Ministers affirmed that like-minded countries will continue to be united in their response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. In addition, the two Ministers exchanged views on regional affairs such as China, and in responding to North Korea, including on nuclear and missile-related issues, as well as the abductions issue.