Japan-Denmark Summit Meeting and Working Dinner (Summary)

[Provisional translation]

On October 25, commencing at 6:55 p.m. for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, met with H.E. Ms. Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark, followed by a working dinner held for approximately 45 minutes from 8:05 p.m. An overview of the events are as follows.
 
On this occasion, the two leaders issued the Joint Leaders’ Statement on the Deepening of the Strategic Partnership between Japan and the Kingdom of Denmark and the Joint Strategic Work Program.

1. Bilateral relations
   Prime Minister Kishida cordially welcomed Prime Minister Frederiksen's first visit to Japan, and expressed his pleasure at the further development of the good relationship between Japan and Denmark as strategic partners sharing values and principles, on the basis of the Joint Statement issued on leaders’ level in 2014.
   Prime Minister Kishida stated that he looked forward to cooperating with Denmark on bilateral relations spanning across various fields such as security and economy, cooperation towards realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," and international affairs. He also stated that he is pleased to be able to issue today the Joint Statement and the Joint Strategic Work Plan (JSWP) to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, and that he would like to steadily implement concrete cooperation with these documents as the new foundation.
   In response, Prime Minister Frederiksen expressed her hope that Japan-Denmark relations would further deepen by issuing the Joint Statement and the Joint Strategic Work Plan on the occasion of her visit to Japan, as well as her respect for the leadership of Japan as this year's G7 Presidency.
   Both leaders concurred that Japan and Denmark have strengths in the areas of digital, green, and innovation. They welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Science and Technology Innovation, covering quantum science, digital and life sciences, the Memorandum of Cooperation on hydrogen and ammonia, and the Statement of Intent on offshore wind power, and shared the hope that such bilateral cooperation will lead to further development of the economic relations between the two countries.
   Regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, Prime Minister Kishida explained that Japan would continue its untiring efforts to further deepen the understanding of the international community with a high level of transparency and stated that he would like to work closely with Denmark. In response, Prime Minister Frederiksen expressed his appreciation for Japan's efforts made in highly transparent manner.
2. Regional issues
   Prime Minister Kishida stated that amid an increasingly severe international security environment, the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable, and that he welcomed the increasing interest and engagement of European countries, the EU and NATO in the Indo-Pacific region. He also stated that it is extremely important for the international community as a whole to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law, as the international order is being challenged in various ways. Both leaders also shared the recognition that unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force is unacceptable.
   With regard to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, both leaders shared the recognition on the importance of continuing severe sanctions against Russia and strong support for Ukraine under the unity of like-minded countries, to achieve a just and lasting peace as soon as possible.
   Both leaders also discussed the regional issues in East Asia and confirmed that they would continue to coordinate closely in dealing with North Korea, including on the intensifying nuclear and missile activities as well as the abductions issue.
   Prime Minister Kishida stated that peace and stability in the Middle East is essential for peace and stability of the international community including Japan. He also stated that Japan unequivocally condemns the recent terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, especially attacks against, and kidnapping of, innocent civilians and that in cooperation with the countries concerned and intends to make proactive diplomatic efforts to calm down the situation, as well as that there is an urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Both leaders concurred that they would continue to work closely.
3. Cooperation in the International arena
   Both leaders affirmed that it is important to strengthen the functions of the United Nations, including Security Council reform, and also confirmed to work together toward the realization of a “world without nuclear weapons.”
   The two leaders also concurred to cooperate on economic security and to work together to realize a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific".
   Furthermore, both leaders affirmed to deepen cooperation on various issues related to the Arctic.