Japan-Canada Relations
Japan-Canada Summit Telephone Talk
On March 24, commencing at around 9 a.m. for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. ABE Shinzo, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada. The overview of the talk is as follows.
1. At the outset, Prime Minister Abe wished for the early recovery of Mrs. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and expressed his heartfelt condolences for the passing of a Canadian passenger of the Diamond Princess, to which Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his gratitude.
2. The two leaders exchanged views on measures regarding COVID-19 and shared the view on the importance of close cooperation among the G7 and G20, etc., regarding the development of cures and other medical items to control the current situation, the implementation of economic and fiscal policies to prevent negative effects on the global economy, and assistance to developing countries. Furthermore, they shared the view that Japan and Canada will continue to promote universal values such as the rules-based international order and free trade, etc., even amidst the difficult circumstances posed by the global spread of the coronavirus.
3. In addition, regarding the announcement by the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it will consider various scenarios over the next four weeks for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, including changes to the start date, Prime Minister Abe explained that these decisions by the IOC are in line with the policy of holding the Games in their full form. In response, Prime Minister Trudeau expressed support for Prime Minister Abe’s position. He also stated that holding the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo will serve as proof that the world has overcome the coronavirus and attest to Japan’s success, and that Canadian athletes are looking forward to competing at the Games in Tokyo.