Daily Schedule of an International Trip by the Foreign Minister　─ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' Meetings─

An overseas visit by the Foreign Minister: Leaving busy Tokyo, having chats with foreign ministers of other countries in gorgeous locales, visiting various famous places, and relishing splendid banquets… No no, it's not like that.

It actually means enduring long flights, attending international conferences, and holding bilateral meetings in the minutes between conferences.

It means building relationships of trust and friendships with ministers of other countries during a short stay, having animated discussions about recent international issues, and coordinating efforts in various issues. This is an introduction of such busy international trips by the Foreign Minister.

July 31(Tue.)

23:50

After the Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the Japan-Russia Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultation (“2+2” Ministerial Meeting), depart Moscow

23-hour flight Stop over in Dubai

August 1(Wed.)

20:55

Arrive in Singapore

August 2(Thu.)

Foreign Ministers' Meetings with seven countries before and after the Japan-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting

10:00

Japan-Turkey Foreign Ministers' Meeting

12:00

Japan-Iran Foreign Ministers' Meeting

13:50

Japan-China Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Agree on the importance of developing the bilateral relations and enhancing the stability of the East China Sea. Confirm the importance of bilateral cooperation and coordination for the issue of North Korea.

14:45

Japan-Brunei Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Present ASEAN counterparts with their portraits. It's essential to use a little creativity to impress your counterparts. They were delighted.

15:00

Japan-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting. In addition to support toward deepening integration of ASEAN, seriously discuss the issue of North Korea and so forth.

16:30

Japan-Canada Foreign Ministers' Meeting
Give flowers to Foreign Minister Freeland for her birthday. Symbol of friendship

17:40

Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Have a frank exchange of views regarding Japan-ROK relations. Carefully coordinate the future response policy regarding the issue of North Korea.

18:30

Japan-Viet Nam Foreign Ministers' Meeting

A little break. There are food stalls at the venue.

August 3(Fri.)

11：00 Japan-Timor-Leste Foreign Ministers' Meeting

11：20 Informal talk with the Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea

11：30 Japan-Australia Foreign Ministers' Meeting

12：35 Japan-EU Foreign Ministers' Working Lunch

16：30 Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting

18：30 Japan-Indonesia Foreign Ministers' Meeting

19：20 Gala dinner

(Time is also set aside during the intervals for advance preparation for meetings, etc.)

August 4(Sat.)

Saturday. But there is no weekend during an overseas visit.

9:00

ASEAN Plus Three (Japan-China-ROK) Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Also hold discussions with the foreign ministers of the ROK, China, and Singapore during intervals between the meetings

10:45

East Asia Summit (EAS)

Foreign Ministers' Meeting

12:30

Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Secretary of State Pompeo Discussion centered on the issue of North Korea

A little break with coffee brewed by a robot.

13:15

Japan-U.S.-Australia Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD) The trilateral discussion had desks forming the shape of a triangle

14:00

ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting An important forum for confidence building in the region

17:30

Japan-Cambodia Foreign Ministers' Meeting

August 5(Sun.)

Last day in Singapore

9:30

Breakfast time cannot be wasted. A breakfast meeting was held for the Japan-Singapore Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

The discussion continued while enjoying durians.

13:25

Departing Singapore for the next country to visit, Myanmar