Press Releases
Japan-Netherlands Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
On May 27, commencing at around 4:00 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Stef Blok, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The overview is as follows.
1. At the outset, Minister Motegi expressed his respect for the efforts by the Government and the people of the Netherlands to improve the situation in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and hoped that the Avigan tablets, which Japan provided based on the Netherlands’ request, will contribute to the advancement of clinical research. In response, Minister Blok expressed his gratitude for the provision of the Avigan tablets and explained the state of measures in the Netherlands to prevent the spread of infections, including the easing of restrictions. Both Ministers shared the view on the importance of impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation of the WHO.
2. Minister Motegi requested support from the Government of the Netherlands to ensure continuous business activities of Japanese companies operating in the Netherlands and gained Minister Blok’s understanding. The two Ministers also exchanged views on bilateral relations, including the Working Holiday Program between the two countries, and the Japan-Netherlands Peace Exchange Program.
3. Furthermore, both Ministers exchanged views on how the flow of people should be resumed after COVID-19 has subsided. They also shared the view to work together to further develop bilateral relations, based on the Strategic Partnership between Japan and the Netherlands, once exchanges can be resumed.
