[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from the Japan-France Club at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“I would like to welcome the representatives of the Japan-France business community to Japan. Firstly, I would like to once again express my sincere condolences to all the victims of the recent outrageous acts of terrorism. Japan resolutely condemns these acts of terrorism. Japan stands with France at this difficult time .

I understand that there was discussion at today’s Japan-France Club meeting on the Japan-EU EPA, the environment, and innovation. The early conclusion of the Japan-EU EPA will contribute to economic growth and employment in both Japan and France. I hope you will all provide strong support for this.

Prime Minister Valls’ visit to Japan in October marked the start of the ‘Japan-France Innovation Year.’ Japan-France cooperation in the field of innovation will contribute to the resolution of common issues faced by humanity, including climate change, and is therefore extremely significant.

I will visit France on the day after tomorrow to attend COP21, and I am looking forward to meeting with President Hollande. I would like to express our solidarity with France in the face of terrorism and work toward the strengthening of the Japan-France relationship. I hope that the efforts of the Japan-France Club will continue to strengthen the Japan-France partnership.”