Press Releases

On December 7, commencing at 3:35 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand. The overview is as follows.

1. At the outset, Minister Motegi congratulated Minister Mahuta on her appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
2. Both ministers affirmed that they will promote further cooperation going forward on developing the relationship between the two countries as "Strategic Cooperative Partners" and on realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific." In addition, the ministers shared a common view of the importance of freedom of navigation.
3. Regarding North Korea, Minister Motegi thanked New Zealand for its work on countering ship-to-ship transfers and asked for understanding and cooperation on the abductions issue, receiving Minister Mahuta's support.
4. With a view toward the post-COVID-19 situation, the ministers shared the view that Japan and New Zealand will cooperate on the expansion of a free and fair economic order and affirmed close coordination between the two countries on WTO reform and on making next year's APEC meetings, which New Zealand will chair, a success. In addition, the ministers concurred to cooperate on combating climate change and COVID-19.
5. Both ministers concurred to further promote bilateral security and economic cooperation.