Press Releases
Japan-Czech Republic Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Working Dinner
February 29, 2024
On February 29, commencing at 6:30 p.m., Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, during his visit to Japan, for approximately 30 minutes. After that, the two ministers held a working dinner for approximately 80 minutes. The overview is as follows. Following the meeting, the two ministers conducted a signing ceremony for the Agreement between Japan and the Czech Republic for Air Services (Japan-Czech Republic Air Services Agreement).
- Bilateral Relations
At the outset, Minister Kamikawa expressed her gratitude for the warm messages of sympathy received after the Noto Peninsula earthquake, and stated that Japan wishes to work with the Czech Republic as a strategic partner. She also highly evaluated the Czech Republic’s Strategy for Cooperation with the Indo-Pacific, which further deepens engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.
In response, Minister Lipavský once again expressed his sympathy for the Noto earthquake. He also noted how dialogue between Japan and the Czech Republic has intensified on various levels and in diverse fields in recent years, and welcomed the strengthening of relations. He also expressed the hope for enhanced cooperation in economic areas, including investment and tourism.
The two ministers also expressed their expectation for further promoting human exchanges through the Air Services Agreement signed today and concurred to continue communication at various levels to deepen their bilateral relations. - International and Regional Affairs
The two ministers also exchanged views regarding the situations in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific, noting that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable, and concurred to work together to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law for global peace and stability.
With regard to the situation in Ukraine, Minister Kamikawa explained the outcomes of her visit to Ukraine in January and the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction held on February 19. Both Ministers then agreed that two countries will work closely together in supporting Ukraine, including in efforts to incorporate a Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) perspective into its recovery and reconstruction.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional affairs, including the situation in East Asia and the Middle East. The two also concurred to work closely together, for instance, on the response to North Korea including nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue and cooperation in the international arena such as the reform of the UN Security Council.