Foreign Ministers Discuss Security, NATO Cooperation, and Bilateral Relations.
On May 13th, Mr. Hayashi Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Pekka Haavisto, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, in Stockholm, where they discussed international security, Finland's accession to NATO, and bilateral relations between the two countries.
Security Cooperation amid Rising Global Tensions
Minister Hayashi emphasized the importance of cooperation with like-minded countries, as international security becomes increasingly severe due to factors such as Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Minister Haavisto expressed his expectation that Finland's accession to NATO would contribute to strengthening Europe's security. Both ministers agreed that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region is inseparable and committed to strengthening cooperation between Japan and NATO.
Deepening Bilateral Friendship and Economic Cooperation
Minister Hayashi expressed his pleasure in the continued evolution of the bilateral friendship between Japan and Finland in a wide range of areas. The ministers shared the view of promoting people-to-people exchanges and further cooperation in the economic area, including the use of the Japan-Finland Working Holiday Agreement.
United Response to Russia's Aggression in Ukraine
The two ministers affirmed that like-minded countries will continue to be united in their response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Additionally, they exchanged views on regional affairs such as China and North Korea.
[image: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan]
