High Representative Mogherini meets with Japanese Foreign Minister Kishida

EU News 11/2015

Brussels, 19/01/2015
150119_04_en

Brussels, 19 January 2015 – High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission Federica Mogherini met today with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Brussels.

High Representative Mogherini said: "Japan is a key EU ally in its region and globally. My goal is to expand EU cooperation with Japan, to strengthen our Strategic Partnership and to realise our shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous future for our citizens and the world. Our shared outlook on the world and common values go to the heart of our decision to negotiate an ambitious Strategic Partnership Agreement, which will be the best signal we can offer to the world of our shared political vision. A deep and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement will ensure that we retain our leadership position in setting the terms of world trade, to the benefit of all. We will seek to complete these negotiations as rapidly as possible. We also support Japan in taking up more of its responsibilities on regional and global security. As a result, we are expanding our joint peace and security agenda, cooperating in the context of EU crisis management operations and working together in crisis areas."

Background

The European Union is committed to enhancing its strategic relationship with Japan across the board, by negotiating a new legal framework for ties and stepping up security-related cooperation. As like-minded global partners, the EU and Japan are both keen to strengthen a rules-based international system, where all countries benefit from peace and stability, democracy and human rights, open global markets and sustainable development. To further consolidate EU-Japan relations, the two sides in March 2013 launched twin negotiations for a "strategic partnership agreement" (a framework agreement on comprehensive political and sectoral cooperation), as well as a free trade agreement. Closer political and economic ties between the EU and Japan are of great strategic importance for both parties, and could contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation in the respective economies.

As a manifestation of the EU's rapidly evolving Common Security and Defence Policy and Japan's policy of "proactive contribution to peace", the EU and Japan are also moving towards a significantly strengthened security partnership, through concrete crisis management cooperation in support of several African countries.

Source and additional information:
http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2015/150119_04_en.htm

Federica MOGHERINI, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy meets Fumio KISHIDA, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, on 19 January 2015, in Brussels. (C)EU, 2015 URL

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