Meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and President von der Leyen of the European Commission

On November 14, commencing at 5:30 p.m. (local time; 6:30 p.m. Japan time) for approximately35 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, met with H. E. Dr. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, while visiting Indonesia to attend the G20 Bali Summit. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
 
1. At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida stated that, as the international community faces a historic turning point toward the end of the post-Cold War era, the relation with the EU which share fundamental values is more important, and expressed his desire to cooperate with the EU in dealing with various issues the international community is facing including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and in realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” European Commission President von der Leyen then expressed her desire to continue to work closely with Japan, a like-minded country that shares fundamental values with the EU, in addressing challenges facing the international community, such as the situation in Ukraine.
 
2. The two leaders shared the view that, in dealing with Russia's aggression against Ukraine, it is important  to continue strong sanctions against Russia and to support Ukraine under the unity of the international community. They also confirmed that Russia’s threat by nuclear weapons is absolutely unacceptable, let alone the use of such weapons, and that it is important for the international community to send a clear message and to work in close cooperation.
 
3. The two leaders also exchanged views regarding regional affairs, including China and North Korea. They expressed their opposition against any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas. They also shared serious concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile issue, and confirmed that they will work closely in dealing with North Korea, including the abductions issue.
 
4. Prime Minister Kishida reiterated Japan’s request for the early lifting of the EU’s import measures on Japanese food products. The two leaders concurred to continue to cooperate in order to steadily develop Japan-EU relations, including rule-making in digital trade.