Press Releases
Japan-Canada Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
On March 18, commencing at around 10:00 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a telephone talk with the Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada. The overview of the telephone talk is as follows.
1. Minister Motegi explained the measures being taken in Japan regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and asked for support for Japanese citizens residing in Canada.
2. Minister Champagne reiterated his gratitude for the Government of Japan’s response and assistance with the return of Canadian citizens aboard the Diamond Princess. He also explained the measures taken in Canada regarding COVID-19.
3. Then, the two ministers shared the view on the following four points on the novel coronavirus outbreak:
First, to share lessons learned and information gained through measures to control the disease as the coronavirus outbreak spreads to various countries;
Second, to acknowledge that border measures conducted over an appropriate period are necessary to control the outbreak, and that in implementing border measures, coordination and information sharing among relevant countries is important;
Third, to strengthen public-private partnerships in each country and pursue joint development of cures or vaccines, which are essential to controlling the outbreak of infectious diseases; and
Fourth, to continue cooperation in ensuring the safety of citizens staying in both countries.
4. Furthermore, the two ministers shared the view that they would have intense discussion and cooperate on tackling the novel coronavirus as well as other various issues in the international community at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting next week.