Press Releases
Telephone Talk between Foreign Minister MOTEGI and United States Trade Representative Tai
May 19, 2021
On May 19, commencing at 8:30 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Ambassador Katherine C. Tai, United States Trade Representative, in order to hold an exchange of views regarding the intellectual property protection of COVID-19 vaccines. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- At the outset, United States Trade Representative Tai gave an explanation regarding her idea on the waiver of intellectual property protection for COVID-19 vaccines, that was announced by the U.S. Government on May 5.
- Minister Motegi emphasized Japan’s position of placing importance on promptly realizing the expansion of international production of vaccines and the assurance of fair and equitable access, and that Japan intends to proceed with initiatives such as contributing to the COVAX Facility, in addition to engaging constructively in international discussions centered around the WTO.
- Minister Motegi and United States Trade Representative Tai confirmed that they would continue to cooperate closely regarding international initiatives related to vaccines.