Japan-EU Relations

Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ERI's attendance at the Reception hosted by the Embassy of Cyprus in Japan on the occasion of the Handover of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

February 26, 2026

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI taking photo, taking hands with three Cyprus's members for Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI making a speech as Japan's representative at the reception hosted by the Embassy of Cyprus in Japan on the occasion of the Handover of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

On February 26, Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the reception hosted by the Embassy of Cyprus in Japan on the occasion of the handover of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, commemorating Cyprus's assumption of the Presidency for the first half of this year, and delivered her remarks on behalf of the Government of Japan. The overview is as follows:

In her remarks, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI expressed congratulations to Cyprus, an important partner for Japan sharing fundamental values and principles, on assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which plays a significant role in the development of Japan-EU relations.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI also commended EU’s tireless effort to support Ukraine and expressed her expectation to deepen cooperation with the EU across a wide range of areas under Cyprus's Presidency.

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The Presidency of the Council of the European Union rotates among member states every six months. The Presidency chairs various Council meetings (except the Foreign Affairs Council) and represents the Council in relations with other EU institutions.