Press Releases
Japan-Belgium Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
September 1, 2022
On September 1st, commencing at 5:35 p.m. Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Ms. Hadja LAHBIB, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions of the Kingdom of Belgium for approximately 25 minutes. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi congratulated Minister Labib on her appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions and expressed his intention to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level. Both Ministers affirmed that they would further strengthen cooperation between the two countries. Minister Lahbib expressed her condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Abe.
- Minister Hayashi stated that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is an outrage that shakes the very foundation of the international order and that any unilateral changes to the status quo by force are not acceptable anywhere in the world. He also stated that at TICAD 8 he earnestly explained to African countries the importance of defending the foundation of the international order as well asJapan's efforts to provide food aid to African countries.The Ministers agreed on the need for like-minded countries to continue to work in close concert .
- The Ministers affirmed that they would continue to work together on the situation in the East and South China Seas, Taiwan, as well as in responding to North Korea, including on the nuclear, missile and abductions issue.
- Minister Hayashi requested Belgium’s cooperation towards the lifting of import measures on Japanese food products by the EU and the Ministers confirmed that they would strengthen various forms of cooperation in the international fora.