New York, 19 September 2023(TDI): On September 18, amidst the bustling corridors of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a series of consequential diplomatic meetings unfolded.
Kamikawa Yoko, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, encountered counterparts from Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the United States, marking a profound commitment to fostering international cooperation and addressing pressing global challenges.
Minister Kamikawa Yoko conducted a productive meeting with H.E. Mauro Vieira, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
The meeting, lasting approximately 30 minutes, was marked by constructive discussions on key areas of collaboration and mutual interest.
Both Ministers underscored the importance of Japan and Brazil’s role as “strategic global partners” and expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in the lead-up to the G20 Rio de Janeiro Summit scheduled for the coming year.
They acknowledged the progress achieved from the G7 Hiroshima Summit to the G20 New Delhi Summit and resolved to build upon these achievements.
They also agreed on the importance of fostering people-to-people exchanges in the lead-up to the G20 Rio de Janeiro Summit and the subsequent commemoration of the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil.
Recognizing Brazil’s substantial potential in the decarbonization and energy sectors, including hydrogen and biofuels, the two Ministers committed to strengthening cooperation in these fields.
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Ministers Kamikawa and Vieira reaffirmed the significance of the free and open international order based on the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter, as emphasized during the G7 Hiroshima Summit.
In the context of UN Security Council reform, both Ministers expressed their intention to work collectively within the framework of the G4 to lead the reform process.
Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa also conducted a bilateral meeting with the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The meeting, spanning approximately 30 minutes, witnessed a reaffirmation of the enduring Japan-UK partnership and discussions on critical global issues.
Foreign Secretary Cleverly commenced the meeting by extending warm congratulations to Minister Kamikawa on her appointment as Foreign Minister and expressed his desire to continue the close collaboration previously shared with former Minister Hayashi.
In response, Minister Kamikawa expressed her deep appreciation and emphasized that the UK remains a vital partner for Japan, with both nations sharing the status of “global strategic partners.”
The two ministers concurred on the importance of enhancing Japan-UK relations based on the “Japan-UK Hiroshima Accord.”
Minister Kamikawa applauded the progress made in concrete initiatives that contribute to upholding and strengthening a free and open international order grounded in the rule of law, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation, and Justice in Environmental Matters (RAA).
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Foreign Secretary Cleverly affirmed the UK’s intention to collaborate closely with Japan, a like-minded partner, across various interrelated domains such as defense, economy, and security.
The two ministers engaged in discussions concerning the response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and developments in East Asia.
They expressed their commitment to maintaining close coordination in addressing issues related to North Korea, including matters pertaining to nuclear and missile activities and the abductions issue.
Foreign Minister Kamikawa also engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with the Honorable Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America.
The meeting, lasting approximately 25 minutes, reaffirmed the strong partnership between Japan and the United States and touched upon various pressing regional and international matters.
Minister Kamikawa began the meeting by expressing her delight at the opportunity to meet Secretary Blinken in person, following their recent telephone conversation last week, shortly after her appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
In response, Secretary Blinken conveyed his eagerness to collaborate closely with Minister Kamikawa in safeguarding the fundamental tenets of the international order.
The two ministers engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views on regional issues, emphasizing the importance of working in tandem to address multifaceted global challenges.
They concurred on the necessity of close cooperation regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the ongoing developments related to North Korea’s nuclear and missile program, and the abductions issue.
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Additionally, the ministers underscored the significance of joint efforts in addressing matters pertaining to China.
Recognizing the increasingly complex regional security landscape, the ministers affirmed their commitment to further strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
They also agreed to engage in ongoing discussions at various levels to enhance extended deterrence.
Furthermore, Minister Kamikawa expressed her interest in collaborating closely on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, a sentiment wholeheartedly supported by Secretary Blinken.
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