Press Releases

On December 4th and 5th, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada attended the 32nd OSCE Ministerial Council held in Vienna. At the Council, which was attended by OSCE participating States (57 countries) and Partners for Co-operation States (11 countries), Mr. Shimada delivered statements on behalf of the Government of Japan.

In his statement, noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Shimada stated that Japan's commitment to steadfast support for Ukraine remains unwavering amid Russia's ongoing outrageous act that shakes the very foundations of the international order. Stressing that unilateral changes of the status quo by force or coercion shall not be tolerated anywhere on Earth, Mr. Shimada stated that Japan will continue to cooperate and collaborate with the OSCE, as it is ever more apparent that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable. In addition, on behalf of the 5 Asian Partners and 48 participating States, Mr. Shimada delivered a joint statement regarding the strengthening of cooperation between the OSCE and Asian Partners.

On December 5th, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Shimada attended a meeting of the OSCE Troika (the former Chair: Malta, the current Chair: Finland and the incoming Chair: Switzerland), and the Asian Partners (Japan, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Australia and Afghanistan).
Noting the current challenging security environment in East Asia, deepening of global challenges and the emergence of new issues stemming from scientific and technological progress, Mr. Shimada explained that it is even more crucial to strengthen cooperation between the OSCE and its Asian Partners to ensure peace and stability of the international community.

On December 3rd, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Shimada held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Secretary-General of the OSCE.
Mr. Shimada expressed his appreciation for the OSCE's continued role in promoting dialogue and confidence-building, achieved through the participation of many countries with diverse values, including partners. Recalling that Japan, as the longest-standing Asian Partner of the OSCE, has contributed to the organization’s activities since 1992, he conveyed Japan’s intention to continue contributing to the OSCE. The two sides concurred on the importance of cooperation between the OSCE and its Asian Partners, taking into account the severe security environment in East Asia and today's complex international situation.

On December 3rd, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Shimada exchanged views with Dr. Nikolaus SCHERAK, Chairman of the Austrian-Japanese Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Welcoming the friendly relationship between the two countries, underpinned by mutual visits, including at the political level, they exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional affairs, including the situation in East Asia.

On December 4th, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Shimada held a meeting with the Honorable Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.
Welcoming the strong bilateral relationship across various fields, including politics and economy, and recognizing the growing number of shared challenges in the international community, they concurred on the importance of cooperation between Japan and Canada.

On December 4th, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Shimada met with H.E. Master Radmila Sekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of cooperation between Japan and NATO, as well as between NATO and the IP4 (Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea), recognizing the inseparability of security in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific, and exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and East Asia.