Interviews & Articles

On the eve of Remembrance Day, I would like to express my deepest condolencesto all those who have lost their lives in war.

Shortly after taking office as Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in October, Iparticipated in two major international conferences, ASEAN (the Association ofSoutheast Nations) and APEC (the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum).

Starting Tuesday, I am visiting the Niagara region to attend the G7 foreignministers’ meeting. I look forward to having candid discussions with the group’sother foreign ministers regarding our policy toward the increasingly complexinternational situation, and to discussing with Minister Anita Anand not only theinternational situation, but also co-operation with Canada, includingcollaboration in the energy sector.

The security environment of today’s world is becoming increasingly severe.Beyond Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the turmoil in the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific is also witnessing notable developments of concern: China’s diplomaticposture and military movements, North Korea’s nuclear and missile development,and the strengthening of co-operation among China, Russia and North Korea.

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It is precisely in such times that I feel greater expectations for Japan and Canada –as stable, reliable democracies – than ever. The compass needle tells the truth,even in a storm.

Japan and Canada are “neighbours” across the Pacific and are important strategicpartners sharing values and principles such as freedom, democracy and the rule oflaw.

In May, 2021, together with the late foreign minister Marc Garneau, we announcedsix priority areas of co-operation to contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific(FOIP). Subsequently, in 2022, the Canadian government published its Indo-Pacific strategy , clearly demonstrating its commitment to the region. Japan andCanada also announced an action plan for contributing to a FOIP. These efforts have yielded concrete results, such as the port call of a CanadianCoast Guard icebreaker to Japan in June, and the signing of the Canada-JapanSecurity of Information Agreement during Ms. Anand’s visit to Japan in July.

Furthermore, amid increasing global economic uncertainty, Japan and Canada arecommitted to maintaining and strengthening a rules-based, free, and faireconomic order, including through the CPTPP (Comprehensive and ProgressiveAgreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership).

One symbol of co-operation between our two countries is found in the energysector. The LNG Canada project, in which Japanese companies are participating, isa flagship of Japan-Canada energy co-operation, and exports of Canadian LNG tothe Indo-Pacific began in June.

Furthermore, under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s “ energy superpower ” initiative,a small modular reactor (SMR) construction project in Ontario was selected as aninitiative to receive support from the federal Canada Growth Fund, and a Japanesecompany is also participating.

I vividly remember visiting British Columbia in 2013 as Japan’s minister ofeconomy, trade and industry, and touring the shale gas-development site in theMontney area. Twelve years on, I feel heartened to see that the “seeds” sown atthat time are now bearing rich fruit.

Japan and Canada also co-operate extensively within the G7 framework. Buildingon the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan adopted at the Kananaskis summit in June,Japan is working with partners, including Canada, to diversify the supply ofcritical minerals and strengthen supply chains.

I also respect Canada’s leadership in strengthening maritime security, includingthe G7 Foreign Ministers’ Declaration on Maritime Security and Prosperity, and thelaunch of the “shadow fleet” task force, to combat illegal or unsafe activities at sea.Maritime security is a fundamental theme underpinning the FOIP, andindispensable for peace and stability in the region and among the internationalcommunity.

Japan and Canada share both the strength and responsibility to uphold the freeand open international order based on the rule of law. Japan is determined towork with Canada to pursue vigorous diplomacy with a broad perspective, contributing to the realization of peace, stability, and prosperity in theinternational community.

At the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, commencing Tuesday, we will engage infrank and substantive discussions on pressing global issues, including Ukraine, theMiddle East, and the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming the G7’s strengthened unity.

In 2028, Japan and Canada will mark the 100th anniversary of the establishmentof diplomatic relations. Our relationship, built on continued co-operation formutual prosperity, and regional and global stability, certainly deserves to be calleda true friendship.

As Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, I am determined to devote my full efforts tofurther strengthening this bond and carrying it forward into the next 100 years.