Press Releases
Japan-Belgium Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
On July 1, commencing at around 3:30 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Philippe Goffin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Defence of the Kingdom of Belgium. The overview is as follows.
1. At the outset, Minister Motegi expressed his respect for the efforts of the Government and the people of Belgium to improve the situation in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and hoped that the Avigan tablets, which Japan provided based on Belgium’s request, will contribute to the advancement of clinical research. In response, Minister Goffin highly valued Japan’s measures against COVID-19, and expressed his gratitude for the provision of the Avigan tablets.
2. Regarding the list of third countries, published by the EU yesterday, from which entry into the EU and the Schengen areas will be admitted, Minister Motegi expressed his understanding that the list would be made based on the objective consideration of COVID-19 situation in Japan and the favourable Japan-EU relations and valued it. Minister Motegi also expressed his understanding that the Government of Belgium will consider specific border measures taking into account of various circumstances including the list and stated his intention to closely consult with Minister Goffin on the resumption of bilateral exchanges.
3. Regarding COVID-19 measures, the two ministers shared the view to continue to share information and work together closely, and exchanged views on cooperation in international fora.