Prime Minister Ishiba's Remarks at the Joint Press Occasion with President Stubb of the Republic of Finland

I am truly delighted to welcome President Stubb of the Republic of Finland today.

Japan and Finland are strategic partners that share common values and principles. Our two countries have enjoyed a longstanding friendly relationship that stretches back over 100 years.

To elevate our close bilateral relationship to new heights, we have formulated the “Joint statement on Reinforced Cooperation in the Future between Japan and the Republic of Finland.”

Today, building on this foundation, we will reaffirm our promotion of cooperation across a wide range of areas, including diplomacy and security, the economy, 5G/6G, supercomputers and quantum computers, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Furthermore, as the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly inseparable, close cooperation between Japan and Finland, both of which are neighbors of Russia, is more important than ever.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has selected the AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) manufactured by Finland’s Patria as its next-generation wheeled armored vehicle, with the first unit delivered to Japan Steel Works this past April.

We will also discuss regional affairs and confirm that any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion are unacceptable anywhere in the world, and that we will continue to advance our cooperation towards achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We will also discuss responses to North Korea, including its nuclear, missile, and abduction issues.

I understand that tomorrow, President Stubb will attend Finland’s National Day at Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan. I hope that such occasions will further strengthen the relationship between our two countries across a wide range of areas.

I sincerely hope that our two countries will work together as strategic partners aiming to foster peace and stability around the world.

Thank you very much.