Japan – Conversation between Jean-Yves Le Drian and his counterpart (18 nov. 21)

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian spoke yesterday by phone with his new Japanese counterpart, Yoshimasa Hayashi, on the occasion of his appointment. Following on from the conversation between President Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the minister underscored the importance of the exceptional partnership between France and Japan.

Mr. Le Drian welcomed progress on bilateral cooperation with Japan in the Indo-Pacific. He emphasized the importance of continuing to identify and implement concrete projects in the areas of defense, maritime security, the environment, health, and civil nuclear power.

He applauded Japan’s commitments to the fight against climate change and the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. He called on Japan to continue pursuing our common goals in line with the Glasgow Climate Pact and the Paris Agreement.

The two ministers addressed the situation in the Sahel and discussed development projects in the region. The minister also reiterated the importance of resuming negotiations with Iran under the JCPoA.