State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoji Muto receives a Courtesy Call from the Delegation of the Committee of International Trade, European Parliament

1. On November 5, commencing at 11:00 a.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Yoji Muto, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, received a courtesy call from the delegation of the Committee of International Trade (INTA), European Parliament, headed by its Chair, Mr. Bernd Lange. Mr. Muto and the delegation members exchanged views on issues of common interest such as strengthening Japan-EU economic ties, with particular reference to the Japan-EU EPA negotiation.

2. Mr. Muto welcomed the delegation’s visit to Japan. He stated that the Japan-EU EPA is one of the important pillars in Japan’s Growth Strategy and that the Government of Japan would work with the EU making utmost efforts so as to reach agreement in principle during this year.

3. Mr. Lange expressed INTA’s expectation for an early conclusion of an ambitious, comprehensive and well-balanced agreement to promote sustainable economic growth of both Japan and the EU.

4. Mr. Muto also requested that the import restrictions by the EU on certain Japanese goods such as food products from Fukushima Prefecture are eased and lifted based on scientific grounds. In response to this, Mr. Lange said that the EU would have an internal discussion on the matter.