Press Releases
Japan-Belgium Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Working Lunch
September 16, 2025
On September 16, commencing at 11:35 a.m. for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Japan-Belgium Foreign Ministers' Meeting with H.E. Mr. Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium, who is visiting Japan. Subsequently, commencing at 12:10 p.m. for approximately 70 minutes, a working lunch was held. The overview is as follows:
- At the outset of the foreign ministers' meeting, Minister IWAYA welcomed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prévot's visit to Japan and his participation at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Minister IWAYA stated that, looking ahead to next year's 160th anniversary of Japan-Belgium friendship, Japan wishes to further strengthen bilateral relations with Belgium, a strategic partner sharing common values and principles. In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prévot expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and stated his commitment to working to strengthen relations with Japan.
- The two foreign ministers exchanged views on strengthening bilateral economic relations, including through a Japan-Belgium Task Force to discuss cooperation in the economic field and measures to foster a better business environment for Japanese companies, as well as preparations for the 160th anniversary of Japan-Belgium friendship.
- During the working lunch, the two foreign ministers confirmed that Japan and Belgium would cooperate on various international issues, including the situation in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the situation in East Asia, such as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.