Press Releases

On November 27, commencing at 5 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of Ireland. The overview of the talk is as follows.

1. The two Ministers confirmed that Japan and Ireland, as important partners sharing fundamental values, will continue to coordinate and cooperate on issues facing the international community, including at fora of the United Nations (UN). Particularly, with Ireland becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council during 2021-2022, the two Ministers shared the view to cooperate closely in the international arena in addressing North Korea, including the abductions issue.
2. Minister Motegi welcomed the increasing interest of the European Union (EU) in the Indo-Pacific from the viewpoint of the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific." In response, Minister Coveney stated that Ireland also has growing interest in Asia and expressed his intention to cooperate with Japan in the process of the EU's upcoming discussion on the Indo-Pacific.
3. The two Ministers shared the view on the importance of minimizing the negative impacts of the UK's withdrawal from the EU on the companies of the two countries, through an early conclusion of the UK-EU negotiations on the future relationship.