Press Releases
Japan-Macedonia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On October 27, commencing at 4 p.m. for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo with H.E. Mr. Nikola POPOSKI, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The overview is as follows.
1. Beginning
At the beginning, Minister Kishida mentioned that last year, which marked the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Nikola Gruevski, the Prime Minister of Macedonia, visited Japan, and following this he isglad to welcome Foreign Minister Poposki. Minister Kishida also welcomed the establishment of the Embassy of Macedonia in Tokyo and the appointment of the first Ambassador of Macedonia in Japan last year. Additionally, Minister Kishida mentioned the issue of the influx of refugees to Europe, which is due to the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and North Arica, and expressed solidarity with Macedonia, which is on the front lines of this problem, along with conveying a decision to extend approximately 2.5 million USD of new Humanitarian Aid to the European Union (EU)’s neighboring countries, including Macedonia.
In response, Foreign Minister Poposki expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality, and his profound gratitude for the support extended by Japan in connection with the refugee influx issue, along with expressing his hope that this visit to Japan will serve as an opportunity to further deepen the bilateral relationship.
In addition, the two ministers shared the view that they will strive to further deepen the bilateral relationship in various fields.
2. Japan’s security policy
Minister Kishida explained the severe security environment in East Asia, and in response, Foreign Minister Poposki expressed his understanding for the circumstances that Japan is facing, and emphasized the importance of the rule of law.
3. Bilateral relations and cooperation in the international arena
The two ministers shared the view that they will continue to work closely together on resolving various international challenges such as United Nations Security Council Reform and nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Foreign Minister Poposki reiterated Macedonia’s support for Japan becoming a permanent member of the Security Council.
Additionally, Foreign Minister Poposki expressed his strong hope that following on from the establishment of the Embassy of Macedonia in Tokyo, Japan will now establish an Embassy of Japan in Skopje.