Press Releases
Japan-Lithuania Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
May 16, 2023
On May 16th, commencing at 4:00 p.m., for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Gabrielius LANDSBERGIS, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania who is visiting Japan to attend the Munich Leaders Meeting. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi welcomed Minister Landsbergis' visit to Japan and that the bilateral relationship had steadily been deepening, including the upgrading of bilateral relations to "Strategic Partnership" last year, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of friendship. In response, Foreign Minister Landsbergis mentioned that he was pleased to be able to visit Japan again following last year’s visit, and that he would like to further promote bilateral cooperation in various fields with Minister Hayashi.
- Minister Hayashi explained the new plan to realize a 'free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),' and the two Ministers confirmed the importance of collaboration in the Indo-Pacific among like-minded countries, and concurred to work closely together to uphold and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law. Minister Hayashi explained Japan’s concept for the G7 Hiroshima Summit as the G7 Presidency, and Minister Landsbergis expressed his support for Japan's initiatives. Minister Hayashi reiterated his request for Lithuania’s cooperation towards the early lifting of import measures on Japanese food products by the EU. The two Ministers also exchanged views regarding the economic security.
- Furthermore, the two Ministers exchanged views on the regional affairs. Regarding the Russia's aggression against Ukraine, they affirmed the importance of continuing strict sanctions against Russia and strong support for Ukraine, maintaining the unity among like-minded countries. The two Ministers also exchanged views on the situation in East Asia such as China and North Korea and concurred to keep working closely in dealing with North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue. They also stressed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.