Press Conferences

Extraordinary Press Conference by Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa

Sunday, May 14, 2023, 9:20 a.m. Stockholm

This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only.
Japanese

Opening Remarks

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs:Yesterday, here in Stockholm, Sweden, I attended the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in-person for the first time.

At the forum, I delivered a keynote speech at the opening session, and afterwards, I attended a roundtable on security in the Indo-Pacific. During this series of sessions, I emphasized that it is important for like-minded countries to further cooperate on maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law, that any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force cannot be tolerated anywhere in the world, and that the security of Europe and that of the Indo-Pacific can no longer be discussed separately. Furthermore, I stated that it is important to work in unity with like-minded countries in Europe to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” I also explained the intentions of Japan’s new plan for FOIP.

In referring to Japan-EU relations, I conveyed that, on the occasion of the next Japan-EU Summit, Japan would like to set out new directions for security and defence cooperation in order to promote our alliance in this area.

In addition, on the margins of the forum, I held meetings individually with the foreign ministers of Finland, Austria, Latvia, Cyprus, and Sweden, as well as informal talks with the EU, France, and the United States. We discussed matters including the response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and cooperation for realizing FOIP, and confirmed to further strengthen our cooperation.

By visiting Stockholm, Japan and the respective countries were able to share the view that any unilateral changes to the status quo by force are unacceptable anywhere in the world, and confirmed to further enhance cooperation among like-minded countries to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law. It was a meaningful visit ahead of the G7 Hiroshima Summit that is just around the corner.
That is all from me.

Question-and-Answer Session

Reporter:As you mentioned in your opening remarks, you announced in your speech at the opening session that Japan intends to set out new directions to promote security and defense cooperation with the EU. Specifically, what sort of directions does Japan hope to set out?

Minister Hayashi:As I stated in my speech yesterday, in the face of the challenging security environment in the Indo-Pacific, it will be vital to work not only with countries in that region but also with like-minded countries in Europe in order to uphold the free and open international order based on the rule of law. As the EU enhances its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, it is important to further promote Japan-EU security and defence cooperation.

With regard to the new directions for cooperation specifically, we are discussing them with the EU, and I would like to refrain from going into details at this point in time. To provide some examples, they may include strengthening cooperation in the area of maritime security in which a series of joint exercises have been conducted, as well as cooperation on new security challenges such as cyber and space.

Reporter: I have a question about the Hiroshima Summit. With the summit to commence in just five days, how does Japan intend to link the discussions at the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum and bilateral meetings with EU partners to the discussions at the summit? Additionally, at the Hiroshima Summit, how in-depth does Japan want to discuss security cooperation on China, which is continuing its maritime expansions in the East and South China Seas?

Minister Hayashi:During this visit, Japan and the other participating countries, sharing the view that any unilateral changes to the status quo by force are unacceptable anywhere in the world, confirmed to further enhance cooperation among like-minded countries to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law. At the G7 Hiroshima Summit, it is important that the situation in the Indo-Pacific region be fully discussed at the summit level. Based on this viewpoint, Japan, as the G7 Presidency, will lead the discussions, while also taking into account the discussions at the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum.

Reporter:The Government of China announced that, from May 15, it will be sending Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui to five countries, including Ukraine and Russia. It explained that the aim is to promote finding a resolution to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine through dialogue. What is your assessment of these developments prior to the G7 Summit?

Minister Hayashi:We are aware that the Government of China announced its decision to send a delegation to Ukraine, Russia, and other countries. With regard to the developments toward peace in Ukraine, Japan considers that Russia’s complete withdrawal from Ukraine is essential to realize a just and lasting peace, as is stated in the United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted in February.

In this connection, we are aware of President Zelenskyy’s remark that the 12-point “position” announced by China is inappropriate if it does not stipulate the withdrawal of all Russian forces from the territory of Ukraine.

Japan has exchanged views with China on the situation in Ukraine and urged China to take responsible measures, including during my recent visit to China. We will continue to closely monitor future developments.

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