Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said, “The European Union (EU) is an important partner for Japan in the Indo-Pacific,” and expressed his intention to strengthen cooperation with the European Union in areas such as defense and economic security.
According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry on the 15th, Foreign Minister Hayashi, who is visiting Sweden, attended the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Conference co-sponsored by the EU and Sweden on the 13th (local time) and said, “It is now important to uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law.” “For the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific, it is indispensable to deepen partnerships with Japan and European partners,” he said.
Foreign Minister Hayashi pointed out that “security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific cannot be discussed separately,” and “it is important to maintain solidarity beyond regional borders in order to maintain a free and open international order based on the rule of law.” .
Representatives from participating countries also said that security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are closely linked, and that the Indo-Pacific region is important in many aspects, including economy and security, and shared the view that it is important to strengthen cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. .
Foreign Minister Hayashi said, “Based on the ‘Connectivity Partnership’ announced in 2019 with the EU, Japan will cooperate on sustainable connectivity and high-quality infrastructure. It is an important partner for Japan.”
“I am confident that in recent years, the EU has been strengthening its involvement in the Indo-Pacific by extending its maritime presence to the Indian Ocean,” Lee said. We want to present it as an opportunity for a summit.”
“Cooperation in the field of economic security is also important,” said Foreign Minister Hayashi. is coming to the surface,” he pointed out.
“To strengthen deterrence and response to such threats, Japan and the EU need to further expand cooperation with like-minded partners, including partners from emerging and developing countries,” he said. In order to preserve the international order, Japan intends to lead the international community’s response together with its European and Indo-Pacific allies, which are meeting today.”
He strongly criticized China, Russia, and North Korea, citing strengthened military exercises and a series of missile provocations.
Foreign Minister Hayashi said, “In the Indo-Pacific, in the East and South China Seas, China continues to strengthen its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force.” We are strengthening military exercises such as flight and joint navigation.”
“Moreover, North Korea is launching ballistic missiles with unprecedented frequency and manner and expanding provocations, including repeated launches of ICBM-class ballistic missiles, including those that fell within our exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” he added.
Foreign Minister Hayashi emphasized, “In order to maintain a free and open international order based on the rule of law in the face of such a strict security environment in the Indo-Pacific, it is important for Indo-Pacific countries to respond in solidarity with European allies as well.” Japan welcomes the strengthening of European countries’ engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Hayashi held bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Tobias Wilstrom in Stockholm on the 14th.
Pointing out that cooperation with comrades is becoming more important than ever amidst a difficult international security environment, Foreign Minister Hayashi said, “I support Sweden’s decision to apply for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).”
In response, Secretary Billstrom said, “I look forward to contributing to the realization of NATO membership and the strengthening of security in Europe.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “After the two ministers shared the perception that security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable, they decided to work hard to strengthen cooperative relations in terms of security, including economic security.”
“The two ministers also exchanged views on regional situations, including China and North Korea, and discussed issues including nuclear missiles and abductions,” the Foreign Ministry said. We have decided to continue to cooperate in responding to North Korea.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.