Press Releases
Meeting between Minister Kishida and Mr. Karel De Gucht, the European Commissioner for Trade
On November 18, for approximately 30 minutes from 10:45, Mr Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with Mr. Karel De Gucht, European Commissioner for Trade, on the Commissioner’s visit to Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. On his opening remarks, Minister Kishida welcomed Commissioner De Gucht’s second visit to Japan this year. He stated that the early conclusion of the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is of vital importance in order for both Japan and the EU to enjoy the benefit of economic growth, and expressed his desire to cooperate with the Commissioner towards a comprehensive and high-level EPA.
2. In response, Commissioner De Gucht renewed his appreciation to have had a meeting with Minister Kishida during his last visit in March this year. He emphasised his recognition that the Japan-EU Summit Meeting scheduled for 19th November would have critical importance in boosting the EPA negotiations towards the early conclusion of the Agreement. Both sides further held a meaningful exchange of views on the EPA.