Japan-Türkiye Relations
Exchange of Views between Foreign Minister MOTEGI and Ms. Berris Ekinci, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affaris of Türkiye
July 22, 2026
On July 22, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Manila, the Philippines, to attend the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, held an exchange of views with Ms. Berris Ekinci, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, who is participating in the meetings on behalf of Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Hakan Fidan.
- Minister MOTEGI stated that, while strengthening communication between the leaders and foreign ministers, Japan aims to achieve the early conclusion of an Economic Partnership Agrrement (EPA) and a Social Security Agreement. He also welcomed the opening of the Turkish-Japanese Science and Technology University (TJU) this fall.
- In response, Deputy Minister Ekinci expressed expectations for strengthening cooperation in a wide range of areas, including the economy and defense industry; welcomed enhanced cooperation in the education field through the opening of the TJU; and stated that Türkiye would work to accelerate negotiations on an EPA and a Social Security Agreement.
- Concerning the situation surrounding Iran, the two sides concurred to work closely together, in order to de-escalate the situation and to restore free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without additional costs as soon as possible.