Press Releases
Japan- New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Video Teleconference Meeting
February 15, 2022
On February 15, commencing at 3:00 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a video teleconference meeting with Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister HAYASHI stated that this year marks the 70th anniversary of establishment of Japan-New Zealand diplomatic relationship and that he hopes to advance the efforts to further consolidate the “Strategic Cooperative Partnership” between the two countries in cooperation with Minister Mahuta. They also affirmed the importance of proceeding concrete efforts, by coordinating with related countries, toward the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific."
- The two ministers exchanged views on regional affairs and shared their strong opposition to any unilateral actions which increase tensions in the East China Sea as well as to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the South China Sea, and to any economic coercion. They also exchanged views on North Korea, including the recent series of missile launches, and affirmed that they would continue to coordinate in dealing with North Korea, including the abductions issue.
- The two ministers affirmed the significance of deepening coordination toward cooperation with Pacific Island countries. In this regard, Minister HAYASHI expressed his gratitude for New Zealand's close cooperation upon assistance to Tonga, in response to the damages caused by the volcanic eruption and tsunami. They further affirmed to collaborate in supporting Tonga’s mid- to long-term reconstruction.
- The two ministers had candid discussions on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP11) from a strategic perspective and concurred on the importance of maintaining high standard and fundamental values of TPP11.
- The two ministers also discussed on the situation in Ukraine and concurred to support consistently for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and to continue diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.