Press Releases
Japan-EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 8, 2023
On November 8, commencing at 7:00 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, who is visiting Japan to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated that we had a fruitful discussion at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and that Japan would like to continuously cooperate closely with the EU and among G7 in addressing the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine, and Russia's aggression against Ukraine, as well as in realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)." In response, High Representative Borrell expressed his gratitude for Minister Kamikawa’s effort and hospitality as the Chairperson of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and stated that he would like to strengthen cooperation between Japan and the EU.
- Minister Kamikawa also stated that she welcomed the agreement reached in principle of the negotiation on provisions on the free flow of data, with regard to the Japan-EU EPA. Both sides concurred to strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas, including security, through a Strategic Dialogue at foreign ministerial level between Japan and EU, established on the occasion of the Japan-EU Summit Meeting this year. Minister Kamikawa also expressed her gratitude for EU's understanding of and support for the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
- Both sides also exchanged views on the situation in East Asia and other issues, and concurred to continue to work together in dealing with issues related to China, and North Korea including nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue and others.