Ambassador Katakami Delivers the Keynote Address at the 17th Japan-EU Conference
The Ambassador began his speech by stating that “Japan and the EU have, over many decades, shared common values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In recent years, we have witnessed that this relationship has grown remarkably and become much closer”.
On the current negotiations on a Japan-EU EPA, Ambassador Katakami outlined that the most recent (7th) round of negotiation, “fostered the momentum to accelerate the overall negotiations and create a high level agreement, as we strive toward a conclusion in principle, of the negotiation by the end of 2015”.
Ambassador Katakami was also keen to stress the political and security cooperation that Japan and the EU share, “there is a great untapped potential for both of Japan and the EU to work and achieve together. The situation in Ukraine, cooperation on Africa, including the Ebola crisis, humanitarian assistance to Syria, Iran’s nuclear issue, North Korea and Maritime Security in Asia - are just some of the many challenges which require closer Japan-EU cooperation”.
He also pointed to the current examples of where Japan and the EU are working together, notably that “Japan is working in cooperation with the EU mission in Mali and Niger. As recent as 16 October, Japanese Self Defense Force and the EU NAVFOR have conducted a counter-piracy exercise to strengthen cooperation in the Gulf of Aden”. The Ambassador closed his remarks by saying that Japan and the EU should look “to establish a durable and multidimensional Japan-EU relationship in order to achieve global peace and prosperity.”
