Japan-Netherlands Relations
Japan-Netherlands Summit Meeting and Working Lunch
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On April 21, commencing at 12:35 p.m., for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Dick SCHOOF, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who was visiting Japan. Following the meeting, the two leaders gave a joint press release. After that, commencing at 1:25 p.m., a working lunch was held for approximately 70 minutes. The overview of the events is as follows. The “Japan-Netherlands Action Plan 2025 based on the Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Peace and Prosperity” was announced at this occasion.
1. Opening Remarks
Prime Minister Ishiba welcomed Prime Minister Schoof’s first visit to Japan, mentioning that this year marks the 425th anniversary of Japan-Netherlands exchanges, and stated that he hopes to deepen cooperation in various areas, including security, trade, economic security and culture.
In response, Prime Minister Schoof stated that Japan and the Netherlands have a long-standing friendship and that he hopes to use today's meeting as an opportunity to further develop the bilateral relationship.
2. Bilateral Relations
- The two leaders shared the view that they would use the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan as an opportunity to further develop bilateral relations in areas such as high technology, energy and life science.
- Prime Minister Ishiba highly values the Netherlands’ concrete engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, including the deployment of the Dutch navy frigate HNLMS Tromp to Japan last June. In response, Prime Minister Schoof stated that he hopes to continue deepening cooperation with Japan on security.
3. Regional Issues
- The two leaders shared the recognition that unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force is unacceptable anywhere in the world and that they would continue to cooperate to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They also shared their serious concern over the advancement of the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea including the engagement of North Korean troops in combat against Ukraine.
- The two leaders exchanged views on the situations in East Asia, such as their policies towards North Korea, and concurred to work closely together.
- The two leaders shared the view that they will continue to work together on various global challenges as security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions becomes increasingly inseparable.
