Press Releases
Japan-Cyprus Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
October 5, 2026
On October 5, commencing at 4:40 p.m. for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus.
- At the outset, Minister MOTEGI welcomed Minister Kombos’ visit to Japan and expressed his respect to Cyprus for having fulfilled its important responsibilities as the EU Presidency until the end of June this year. He also stated that Cyprus is an important partner that shares fundamental values and expressed his appreciation once again for Cyprus's cooperation in the evacuation of Japanese nationals during the worsening situation in Lebanon in 2024. In addition, Minister MOTEGI stated that the maintenance and strengthening of the maritime order is a matter of common interest for both Japan and Cyprus, as maritime nations, and expressed his willingness to work closely together toward the realization of the updated "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" announced by Japan in May. In response, Minister Kombos expressed his firm support for the international law and multilateralism and stated that he would like to closely cooperate with Japan, as both are fellow maritime nations, and that Cyprus would continue to spare no effort to cooperating in the evacuation of Japanese nationals.
- Minister MOTEGI stated that Cyprus, which is growing rapidly in fields such as finance, IT, and shipping, is increasing its presence as the "international business hub in the Mediterranean," and expressed his expectations for the expansion of economic and business exchanges with Cyprus. He also stated that Japan wishes to strengthen cooperation toward building a safe and secure innovation ecosystem through a memorandum of cooperation on science and technology between the two countries, as well as cooperation under the Horizon Europe. In response, Minister Kombos stated that he attaches great importance to cooperation with Japan and both Ministers concurred on promoting cooperation in the fields of science and technology, as well as in industries including shipbuilding.
- Furthermore, both Ministers exchanged views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific, including the response to North Korea with the nuclear and missile issues and the issue of abductions, as well as the situation in the Middle East. Minister Kombos stated his endorsement of FOIP. Both Ministers concurred on continuing to work closely together in addressing various regional challenges.