Japan-Canada Relations
Japan-Canada Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
September 21, 2023

On September 21st, commencing at 2:00 p.m. local time (3:00 a.m. on September 22nd, Japan time), for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during her visit to New York, the United States, to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a meeting with the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated that she looked forward to building a good working relationship with Minister Joly to strengthen Japan-Canada relations together to cooperate in the G7 and to realize a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)". Minister Joly congratulated Minister Kamikawa on her appointment as Foreign Minister and stated that she looked forward to working together in addressing various global challenges. Minister Kamikawa expressed her symphathies for the loss and damage caused by large-scale wildfires this summer in Canada.
- The two ministers concurred that they will continue to work together on the international affairs in general. Minister Joly expressed her understanding on the Japanese position on the discharge of ALPS treated water.
- The two ministers had a frank discussion on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) from a strategic perspective, and concurred to continue to work closely together.