Countries & Regions

(1) At the start of the meeting, Foreign Minister Martonyi welcomed Foreign Minister Kishida’s first visit to Hungary, and expressed that he intends to use this opportunity to further develop bilateral relations. Foreign Minister Kishida pointed out that Hungary touched upon its intention to strengthen its relations with Asian countries at such forums as the Japan-Hungary summit meeting and the "V4+Japan" summit meeting in Warsaw in June, and that bilateral relations with Hungary have been enhanced by the fact that the two countries share basic values. Foreign Minister Kishida added that he intends to follow-up together with Hungary, the holder of V4 presidency since July of this year, in regard to what the leaders discussed at the "V4+Japan" summit meeting. Foreign Minister Martonyi stated that Japan and Hungary are special strategic partners that share not only economic interests but also common values and that have close attachment to the cultures and traditions of the other. Foreign Minister Kishida gave his assent to Foreign Minister Martonyi’s statement.

(2) The two Ministers affirmed the importance of economic cooperation in the context of bilateral relations, and from the perspective of fostering a favorable environment for business activities, the two Ministers welcomed the signing of the Agreement on Social Security. The two sides then agreed that they should pursue the entry-into-force of the Agreement at the earliest date. In the field of energy, the two Ministers exchanged views on the possibilities of cooperation making use of Japan’s high-level technologies in areas such as nuclear power and the efficient utilization of energy.

(3) Furthermore, the two Ministers shared view on the importance of interpersonal exchanges for the further development of the fully-matured relations between their countries, and they welcomed the fact that active exchanges are taking place between local governments and universities of the two countries. Furthermore, in order to promote youth exchanges, the two sides affirmed that they would cooperate together with the aim of introducing a working holiday program at an early date.

(4) As for the Japan-EU relations, the two Ministers agreed to continue to collaborate with each other in order to achieve the early conclusion of negotiations on the Japan-EU EPA and strategic partnership agreement (SPA).

(1) With respect to the "V4+Japan" Summit Meeting in June, Minister Kishida stated that Japan highly values the outcome of the Summit Meeting, including the commitment of Japan and V4 countries to work together to tackle issues confronting the international community as well as agreements on the issues such as security cooperation and support for the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan countries.

(2) As a follow-up to the "V4+Japan" Summit Meeting, the two Ministers agreed to hold the "V4+Japan" ODA Seminar in Budapest in autumn this year, and a "V4+Japan" Security Seminar in Tokyo in February next year.

(3) The two Ministers also agreed that Japan and Hungary, the holder of the V4 presidency, will work together for the success of the "V4+Japan" Exchange Year next year.

(1) The two Ministers exchanged views on the international situation related to East Asia and Europe including Western Balkan countries. Foreign Minister Kishida explained Japan’s stance regarding the situation in East Asia, and Foreign Minister Martonyi expressed his support for Japan’s position.

(2) Foreign Minister Kishida pointed out the need for Security Council reforms, and Foreign Minister Martonyi agreed with this and stated that Hungary supports Japan’s entry as a permanent member of the Security Council.