Press Releases
Japan-Netherlands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On October 30, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo with H.E. Mr. Bert Koenders, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Beginning
Minister Kishida extended his congratulations to Minister Koenders on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs on October 17, and a sincere welcome to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Her Majesty Queen Máxima, who are currently paying a state visit to Japan.
The two ministers shared the view that they will further strengthen Japan-Netherlands relations, which are supported by various exchanges including friendly relations between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of the Netherlands. They also shared their commitment to cooperate toward the peace, stability and prosperity of the international community.
In addition, Minister Kishida once again expressed his condolences over the large number of Dutch casualties resulting from the recent shooting down of a Malaysia Airlines airplane in Eastern Ukraine. In response Minister Koenders expressed his gratitude.
2. Japan-Netherlands relations
The two ministers affirmed that Japan and the Netherlands share fundamental values, including the rule of law, freedom of navigation and open economies, and shared the view that they will promote extensive cooperation in bilateral and multilateral frameworks, from the political and security field, including United Nations reforms, disarmament and non-proliferation and PKOs, the economic field, including promoting trade and investment, to cultural exchanges.
Minister Kishida stated that in particular, this state visit is accompanied by a large business mission, and he hopes this visit will serve as an opportunity to advance cooperation in a wide range of fields, including agriculture, health care and renewable energy. Minister Koenders expressed his approval.
Additionally, the two ministers agreed that with the goal of achieving an agreement in principle on the Japan-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in 2015, negotiations for an early conclusion of a comprehensive and high-level EPA will be accelerated.
Furthermore, the two ministers confirmed that Japan and the Netherlands will build a future-oriented cooperative relationship, without forgetting the past.