Japan-Sweden Summit Meeting

[Provisional translation]

 

On June 29, commencing at 11:11 a.m. (local time; 6:11 p.m. on June 29 JST) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting Spain to attend the NATO Summit Meeting, held a meeting with the H.E. Ms. Magdalena ANDERSSON, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida stated that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable, that he supports Sweden's historic decision to apply for NATO membership, and that he respects Prime Minister Andersson's efforts to gain the support of Turkey on the previous day. Prime Minister Kishida also expressed his desire to further strengthen relations with Sweden, a partner that shares fundamental values, in light of Sweden's Presidency of the EU and Japan's Presidency of the G7 next year. In response, Prime Minister Andersson expressed her gratitude, saying that she is pleased to take the next step after the difficult negotiations with Turkey, and she appreciated Japan's strong response to Russia.
2. The two leaders shared the recognition that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an outrage that undermines the foundation of the international order not only in Europe but also in Asia; and that the unity among the countries sharing fundamental values has never mattered more. They confirmed that, as the international community is facing food and energy supply shortages and price increases following the aggression, they would work together to support vulnerable countries affected by the current situations.
3. The two leaders exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific affairs, and confirmed that unilateral change of the status quo by force is not acceptable. They also reaffirmed their continued close cooperation in dealing with North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues as well as abductions issue.
4. Prime Minister Kishida stated that, as the only county to have suffered atomic bombings during wartime, Japan would lead international efforts towards “a world withouth nuclear weapons.” The two leaders concurred on working closely together towards the NPT Review Conference in August.