Japan-Türkiye Relations
Japan-Türkiye Summit Telephone Call
August 19, 2026
On August 19, commencing at 5:30 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes , Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone call with H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye.
- At the outset, Prime Minister TAKAICHI expressed her gratitude for President Erdoğan’s message of sympathy regarding the Kumamoto Earthquake. She noted that the two countries have developed their cooperation in a wide range of fields, including security, the economy, and education, with the opening of the Turkish-Japanese Science and Technology University (TJU) this autumn, toward strengthening their Strategic Partnership, and stated that Japan would like to further strengthen bilateral economic relations through, among other things, the early conclusion of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and a Social Security Agreement.
- Prime Minister TAKAICHI, while highly appreciating Türkiye‘s efforts to play a mediating role regarding the situation in Iran, stated that Japan would continue to work closely with Türkiye and the international community and persistently make every possible diplomatic effort. She further emphasized the importance of ensuring free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without any additional costs.
- In response, President Erdoğan stated that the two side’s views on the Strait of Hormuz are entirely aligned, and expressed his desire to further promote bilateral cooperation across a broad range of fields.
- The two leaders concurred to maintain close communication going forward.