Press Releases
Japan-Spain Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
March 31, 2022
On March 31, commencing at 6:00 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. José Manuel ALBARES, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- Minister Hayashi stated his desire to cooperate with Spain, a strategic partner sharing fundamental valuessuch as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, towards the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” The two Ministers confirmed that they would cooperate closely to promote collaboration on regional affairs and in the international arena, in addition to further advancing bilateral relations.
- Regarding the situation in Ukraine, the two Ministers confirmed that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine infringes upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitutes a serious violation of international law and is an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force. They also strongly condemned the aggression as a serious situation which undermines the very foundations of the entire international order including Asia, and confirmed that like-minded countries, including Japan, the EU and the U.S. will continue to flexibly implement measures as the situation develops.
- In addition, the two Ministers exchanged views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region. Minister Hayashi stated that, from the perspective of further strengthening bilateral collaboration amidst the present situation, he welcomes Spain’s appointment of an ambassador to the Indo-Pacific in January this year, and its attempts to increase its engagement in the region. Minister Albares stated his desire to deepen cooperation with Japan in the Indo-Pacific region through the appointment of the ambassador. Furthermore, the two Ministers affirmed that they would continue to coordinate in dealing with North Korea, including its latest launch of an ICBM-class ballistic missile on March 24th and the abductions issue.
- The two Ministers concurred that they would promote dialogue through such events as the Japan-Spain Vice-Ministerial-Level Consultation and revitalize bilateral cooperation. Minister Hayashi requested Spain’s cooperation towards the lifting of import measures on Japanese food products by the EU.