On 4 May, Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission.
Minister Motegi welcomed the Council conclusions on the “EU Strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific” as EU’s strong will for its engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. High Representative Borrell expressed his gratitude for Minister Motegi’ s explanation of the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in January and stated that it contributed to the formulation of the “EU Strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific”.
Minister Motegi asked for continuous smooth vaccine exports from the EU member states to Japan, and High Representative Borrell stated that he would make efforts to ensure continuous smooth shipments to Japan. They also shared the view to cooperate on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the COVAX Vaccine Summit co-hosted by Japan and Gavi, climate change and environment, WTO reform, WHO review and reform, digital and others.
They shared the view to make thorough preparations in order to ensure the success of the next Japan-EU Summit Meeting. Minister Motegi also asked for cooperation from the EU to remove restrictions on imports of Japanese food products.
Source: Created by editing the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Published: June 2021