Warsaw, 9 September 2023 (TDI): Polish Foreign Minister, Zbigniew Rau welcomed Japan’s Foreign Minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi to Warsaw. This meeting, a follow-up to Minister Rau’s visit to Japan in May, underscored the commitment of both nations to enhance their partnership.
Over the years, Poland and Japan have fostered a robust strategic partnership, marked by advanced political dialogue, frequent high-level meetings, and a deepening cooperation in economic, cultural, and scientific endeavors.
Both countries have consistently sought to strengthen their ties, a testament to their shared values and interests.
During the meeting, Minister Rau expressed his satisfaction with the increasing inflow of Japanese direct investments into Poland.
The economic aspect of the partnership was a focal point, with Poland keen to attract even more Japanese investments and promote Polish products within the Japanese market.
In addition to economic cooperation, the officials discussed ways to bolster humanitarian and development aid for Ukraine in light of the ongoing Russian invasion.
Poland conveyed its gratitude to Japan for its significant financial and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
The two countries deliberated on future collaboration to provide continued support to Ukraine, including post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
Minister Rau stressed their readiness to collaborate on joint projects for Ukraine, including involvement in its reconstruction process.
The meeting between the two sides served as a significant milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership between Poland and Japan, solidifying their commitment to mutual growth and cooperation.
Background
In a series of significant diplomatic exchanges earlier this year, Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zbigniew Rau, embarked on a pivotal journey to Japan between May 9 and 12, 2023.
During his visit, Minister Rau engaged in an array of high-level discussions aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between Poland and Japan.
One of the key highlights of Minister Rau’s visit was his participation in political consultations with Japan’s Foreign Minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi. This exchange served as a testament to the enduring bond between the two nations.
Also read: Japan announces additional Humanitarian Assistance for Ukraine
Central to their discussions was the urgent matter of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, a topic of mutual concern.
Both sides examined the implications of this aggression for the security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region, taking into consideration Japan’s G7 presidency and the forthcoming G7 Summit held in Hiroshima.
Minister Rau was actively involved in cultural events during his stay in Tokyo, joining the celebration of Poland’s 3 May Constitution Day.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Minister Rau to highlight the historical cooperation and friendship between Poland and Japan during World War II.
He delivered a lecture at Waseda University, coinciding with an exhibition honoring Ambassador Tadeusz Romer.
As Minister Rau returns to Poland, his visit to Japan has set the stage for the upcoming Polish-Japanese consultations in Warsaw, further solidifying the enduring bond between these two nations and their shared commitment to global cooperation and prosperity.