Press Releases
Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs FUNAKOSHI’s Travel to France
October 16, 2026
(Photo: MEAE / Judith Litvine)
On October 15th and 16th, Mr. FUNAKOSHI Takehiro, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, traveled to Paris, France and held an exchange of views with Mr. Martin Briens, Secretary General of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic among others.
- Vice-Minister FUNAKOSHI and Secretary General Briens confirmed the progress of bilateral relations in a wide range of fields, such as security and defense, economic and industrial fields including economic security, and affirmed their commitment to continue strengthening bilateral relations. The two sides also shared the view to further strengthen cooperation among like-minded countries to strengthen the resilience of the supply chain of critical minerals.
- In addition to bilateral relations, the two sides also exchanged views on a wide range of issues such as regional issues, including the situation in the Indo-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. They also discussed cooperation on global issues, including those addressed under France’s G7 Presidency this year, as well as efforts to promote a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
- During his visit to France, Vice-Minister FUNAKOSHI also held meetings with Mr. Nicolas Roche, Secretary-General for Defence and National Security and Mr. Frédéric Mondoloni, Director-General of Political Affairs and Security of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs respectively. The two sides exchanged views broadly in light of the current international affairs, including on close cooperation between Japan and France and regional situations.