Press Releases
Meeting and Dinner between State Minister for Foreign Affairs Suzuki Takako and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of the Republic of Tunisia H. E. Mr. Othman Jerandi
On June 2, commencing at 6:25 PM for approximately 2 hours, Ms. Suzuki Takako, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting and dinner with H. E. Mr. Othman Jerandi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of the Republic of Tunisia, who is visiting Japan. The overview is as follows:
1. Opening Remarks
At the outset, State Minister Suzuki expressed her welcome for Minister Jerandi’s visit to Japan and stated that Tunisia is an important partner in the Middle East and African region and that Japan hopes to further strengthen cooperation with Tunisia towards TICAD 8 in August, which Tunisia will host. In response, Minister Jerandi welcomed the expansion of cooperative relations with Japan in a wide range of fields, and expressed his hope to work closely with Japan towards the successful TICAD 8.
2. Bilateral Relations
- (1) State Minister Suzuki stated that Japan would further encourage Japanese companies to enter the Tunisian market by strengthening bilateral economic relations through public-private cooperation. She also stated that Japan pays close attention to the political reforms that Tunisia is currently undertaking, and expressed Japan’s intention to continue its support for Tunisia's efforts toward the economic and financial reform.
- (2) In response, Minister Jerandi expressed his gratitude for Japan's longstanding support to Tunisia.
3. International Issues
- (1) Regarding the Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, State Minister Suzuki stated that Japan would continue to provide assistance through international organizations in order to address the challenges of food security that such countries as Tunisia are facing.
- (2) Both sides also confirmed that the two countries, which share fundamental values including the rule of law, would continue to work closely together.
4. Regional Situations
Both sides also exchanged views on regional situations, including in Libya and North Korea, and concurred to strengthen cooperation. In this regard, the Ministers affirmed that they would continue to coordinate at the international fora including the United Nations in dealing with North Korea, including on the nuclear, missile and abductions issues.