Press Releases
Japan-Canada Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
On February 13, commencing at around 4:45 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. Motegi Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs held a telephone talk with The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, exchanging views on the response to COVID-19. The overview of the telephone talk is as follows.
1. Minister Motegi said that the Government of Japan has been taking all possible measures and coordinating closely with each relevant country, toward preventing the spread of COVID-19. Regarding the cruise ship, Diamond Princess, which Canadian citizens are on board, Minister Motegi explained the latest situation of the measures taken so far, giving the top priority to the health condition of the passengers and crews aboard.
2. In response, Minister Champagne expressed his gratitude for the Government of Japan’s response and assistance thus far on the Diamond Princess, and expressed interest in continuing close cooperation with the Government of Japan on this issue, which is attracting a high level interest in Canada.
3. The two foreign ministers shared the view on continuing close communication and cooperation in regards to the overall response to COVID-19.