The Japan-France Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue (Outline)

On Friday, January 13, from 12:30, Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held the First Japan-France Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with H.E. Mr. Alain Juppé, Minister of State and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the French Republic at Iikura Guest House. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

(Note: The holding of the Japan-France Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue was agreed upon by then-Prime Minister Kan and French President Sarkozy during the summit meeting in May 2011.)

1. At the beginning of the dialogue, Minister Gemba welcomed Minister Juppé to Japan and again communicated Japan's gratitude for the condolences, announcement of solidarity and provision of support by France after the Great East Japan Earthquake. He also stated that he hoped to have a frank exchange of opinions delving deep into regional and global issues in a manner befitting a strategic dialogue. In response, Minister Juppé again expressed his admiration for the courage and dignity of the Japanese people at the time of the Earthquake. He also said that he was pleased to be able to hold the first Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with Minister Gemba.
   
   
2. The two ministers exchanged opinions on topics such as their respective country's strategic outlook on the global situation, priority issues and basic directions for diplomacy and security policy, and so forth. They shared the view that within the period of great change that the international community is currently experiencing, Japan and France, countries that share basic values and benefits as strategic partners, will continue to contribute to global prosperity and security while placing importance on their values (human rights and democracy) and viewing the world from a realist perspective.
   
   
3. With regard to regional issues, the ministers shared the recognition on the following points in particular:
   (1) North Korea: The strengthening of collaboration, including on the abduction issue, in the wake of the passing of Chairman of the National Defense Commission of North Korea Kim Jong-il
   
   (2) Iran: The necessity of collaboration in the international community, effective sanctions, and the stabilization of petroleum prices
   
   (3) Myanmar: Support by the international community for the shift toward democratization.
   
   
4. In addition to the above, the ministers shared the recognition on the following issues:
   (1) The importance of a Japan-European Union (EU) economic partnership agreement (EPA) from the perspective of economic growth
   
   (2) The strengthening and continuation of Japan-France Cooperation in the fields of nuclear power and energy
   
   (3) Contributions toward economic growth and stability, including those related to the euro crisis
   
   (4) The necessity for the early realization of the United Nations Security Council reform and continued cooperation toward this.
   
   
5. During the ministers' lunch meeting, they discussed the issue on Afghanistan and other remaining issues. They also exchanged opinions on the importance of cultural exchanges between Japan and France.