Press Releases
Japan-Canada Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 7, 2023
On November 7th, commencing at 2:00 p.m., for approximately 40 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, who is visiting Japan to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa said that it is a great pleasure to meet with Minister Joly in Tokyo. In response, Minister Joly stated that she would like to work together with Minister Kamikawa for the success of the upcoming G7 Foreign Minister’s Meeting.
- Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan has unequivocally condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and others, and the attacks on and kidnapping of innocent civilians cannot be justified for any reason. Minister Kamikawa expressed her heartfelt condolences to the people of Canada who fell victim, as well as to their bereaved families, and she stated that she is very worried about Canadians who are still missing. Minister Kamikawa explained her recent visit to Israel, Palestine and Jordan and Japan’s diplomatic efforts.
- In response, Minister Joly also explained Canada’s diplomatic efforts including her visit to the Middle East region including Israel and her thinking on this issue. The two ministers concurred that they will continue to discuss the issue at the G7 Foreign Minister’s Meeting and to coordinate with each other closely.
- The two ministers exchanged views on the situation in East Asia and concurred that they will continue coordination in addressing issues related to China and North Korea.
- The two ministers confirmed that they will continue to work on the "Japan-Canada Action Plan" announced by the two governments last year toward the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” Minister Joly stated that she made a speech at an event on Women Peace Security (WPS) just before this meeting. In response, Minister Kamikawa stated that she would like to deepen the cooperation between Japan and Canada, together with Minister Joly, on WPS, which is also covered in the Action Plan. Minister Kamikawa appreciated Canadian military’s contribution to the regional peace and security.
- The two ministers had a frank discussion on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) from a strategic perspective, and concurred to continue to work closely together.