G7 Canada – Minister’s meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi (12 november 2025)

M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, had a meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Mr Toshimitsu Motegi, on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada.

During this first discussion, the two ministers signalled their desire to strengthen the exceptional partnership between France and Japan in all its dimensions. They emphasized their determination to deepen cooperation on securing supply chains and on rare earths.

The [French] Minister recalled the importance of cooperation with Japan, particularly in the context of the French G7 presidency in 2026 and the increasingly close ties between Europe and Asia championed by President Macron at the opening of the Shangri-La Dialogue in May 2025.

The ministers spoke about international crises and reiterated their determination to work together for an international order based on rules and international law. The Minister welcomed Japan’s resolute support for Ukraine and its contribution to the Coalition of the Willing. He assured his counterpart of France’s commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific and its solidarity in the face of the challenges being posed to Japan’s security, particularly the destabilizing actions of North Korea.