Press Releases
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ERI’s Attendance at the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum (Results)
November 21, 2025
© European Union, 2025
© European Union, 2025, CC BY 4.0
From November 20 to 21, Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum held in Brussels, Belgium. The overview is as follows:
- Plenary Session (Opening)
On November 21, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI delivered a keynote speech at the opening plenary session of the 4th Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI pointed out that the free, open, and stable international order that we have long cherished is facing profound challenges due to historical shifts in the balance of power and the intensifying geopolitical competition. She emphasized that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion are unacceptable anywhere on Earth, be it in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, or elsewhere. Highlighting that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable, she stressed the importance of restoring, maintaining, and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Furthermore, she emphasized that Japan will continue to actively promote the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP), which will mark its 10th anniversary next year, as a cornerstone of its foreign policy and adapt it to contemporary challenges. She also stressed that Japan's intention to strengthen cooperation with partners including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, ASEAN, South Asia, and Pacific Island countries to further advance FOIP. - Roundtable
Subsequently, in the roundtable on "Security Priorities in the Face of Current Geopolitical Developments," co-chaired by Ms. Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, and Hon. Maria Teresa Lazaro, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI touched upon the severe security environment in the Indo-Pacific and emphasized the importance of expanding and deepening cooperation between Europe and the Indo-Pacific. She also reiterated Japan's high appreciation for the EU's commitment to strengthening security and defense cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners, including Japan, as stated in the White Paper for European Defence. The Vice-Minister expressed Japan's determination to further strengthen dialogue and cooperation with Europe, particularly in areas such as defense industrial cooperation, maritime security, cyber, space, and responses to hybrid warfare. - Furthermore, during this Forum, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI had brief conversations with HRVP Kallas, who hosted the meeting, and the heads of delegations including Foreign Ministers from various countries.
(Reference1) 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum
Over 65 countries and organizations attended, including EU member states and invited non-EU countries and institutions (ASEAN, Pacific Island countries, Middle East, Africa, etc.). In addition to the plenary session, roundtable sessions were held on "Security Priorities in the Face of Current Geopolitical Developments," "Shared Prosperity, Economic Security and Digital Connectivity," and "Common endeavors for a clean and sustainable future."
