Japan-Türkiye Relations

On December 1, commencing at 10:30 a.m. (local time; 10:30 p.m. on December 1, Japan time) for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, during his visit to Buenos Aires to attend the G20 Summit, held a Japan-Turkey Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Turkey. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Prime Minister Abe expressed his gratitude for Turkey’s support regarding the recent release of a Japanese journalist, and hoped to continue the traditional friendship for the mutual aid that Japan and Turkey have enjoyed since the Ertuğrul Incident. Prime Minister Abe stated that the “Turkey Year in Japan” is scheduled for next year, and hoped to further develop the Japan-Turkey relationship when President Erdoğan will visit Japan next year.
   In response, President Erdoğan expressed his happiness at meeting Prime Minister Abe once again following their meeting in New York, and stated that he was glad to be able to cooperate on the release of the Japanese journalist as a result of the efforts of the relevant Turkish authorities. In addition, President Erdoğan mentioned the importance of the G20, and stated that he is looking forward to visiting Japan on the occasion of the Osaka G20 next year.
2. Prime Minister Abe stated that he aimed to reach an early agreement on the Japan-Turkey Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and intended to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, including cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction. In response, President Erdoğan also stated that he aimed to reach an early agreement on the EPA. Two leaders confirmed that they would further develop the Japan-Turkey relationship in a broad range of fields.