The ministerial talks on foreign affairs and defense between Japan and France, the so-called "2 plus 2", was held online on the night of the 20th. We agreed to strengthen our cooperation in Japan.
Foreign Minister Hayashi and Defense Minister Kishi from the Japanese side, and Foreign Minister Ludrian and Defense Minister Parli from the French side attended the ministerial talks.
At the beginning, Minister Hayashi said, "We would like to raise the level of cooperation between Japan and France toward the realization of a'free and open Indo-Pacific'."
With China in mind, he strongly opposes unilateral attempts to change the status quo and intimidation that undermine the international order in the East China Sea and other areas, and shares the recognition that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are important, and in the field of security. We agreed to strengthen cooperation.
We also confirmed that we will proceed with discussions with a view to concluding an agreement in which the Self-Defense Forces and the French Army will negotiate measures in advance, such as when conducting joint training.
He also shared strong concerns about North Korea's progress in nuclear and missile development and called for action to implement the UN Security Council resolution.
On the other hand, they agreed to call on Russia to avoid any heightened tensions over the situation in Ukraine, and put together a joint statement that included the terms of the agreement.