G7
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Italy
(Overview of “Indo-Pacific” and “Global connectivity” session)
April 19, 2024
On April 19, commencing at 9:05 a.m. on April 19 for approximately 125 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Capri Island, Italy to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, participated in the "Indo-Pacifica" and “Global Connectivity” session. The overview is as follows (G7 Foreign Ministers and The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy participated).
- At the beginning of the session, the G7 Foreign Ministers discussed on the situation in Middle East in response to reports of an attack on Iran.
- Regarding Indo-Pacific, Minister Kamikawa welcomed that Italy sets the “Indo-Pacific” one of its priorities this year as Japan did last year, and then the G7 Foreign Ministers had a candid discussion on various issues in the Indo-Pacific region.
- In this context, the G7 Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, and concurred to further cooperation and to work together with our partners in the region from the viewpoint that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable.
- On China, the G7 Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the need for frank engagement and direct dialogue with China on our concerns, while at the same time concurring that they are ready to cooperate with China in areas of common interest. Regarding North Korea, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan is seriously concerned about North Korea's nuclear and missile activities and that it is necessary for the G7 and other like-minded countries to work together more closely than ever before to show our resolved position, and the G7 members concurred to further cooperation. She also expressed her appreciation for the consistent understanding and cooperation from the G7 members toward the immediate resolution of the abduction issue.
- With regard to global connectivity, Minister Kamikawa pointed out that Japan has been promoting connectivity as a major pillar of FOIP cooperation for many years, and explained Japan's efforts and other initiatives.