Japan-Bahrain Relations

On Saturday, December 9, from 11:30 a.m. (local time) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in Manama, Bahrain. The overview of the meeting is as follows. 

1. At the beginning, Minister Khalid welcomed Minister Kono's attendance at the Manama Dialogue, and expressed his hope to strengthen the bilateral relationship in various fields. Minister Kono responded that he intends to make further progress with bilateral cooperation, including in the fields of economy, culture, heritage sites and tourism.  
2. In addition, the two ministers exchanged views on the issues of North Korea, and Minister Kono emphasized that it is necessary for the international community to maximize pressure on North Korea in unison. He also explained Japan's position on the abductions issue, and Minister Khalid expressed his understanding and support for Japan's position.
3. Furthermore, the two ministers exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, including the Jerusalem issue and the situation surrounding Qatar, Iran, Syria and Yemen.