Ambassador Shiojiri opens the Friends of Europe and JICA conference
"EU-Japan: Ready for a new stage in relations?"
Picture ©FriendsofEurope2014
Ambassador Shiojiri delivered the opening speech at the Friends of Europe and JICA conference “EU-Japan: Ready for a new stage in relations?”
This event was an opportunity for Japanese and EU representatives to meet and discuss current Japan-EU relations as the negotiations for the Japan-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) continue.
The event was held on the very eve of 3 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Ambassador Shiojiri opened his remarks by saying; “While three years have passed since the disaster, every effort is being made toward reconstruction. Though still long way to go, peopleare moving forward and rebuilding their lives”.
Ambassador Shiojiri spoke in detail about his vision for Japan-EU relations and how to elevate their relationship.
“We need to cooperate with each other to enhance democracy, support basic human needs and strengthen governance of the world. By acting together and setting norms and standards in these areas, Japan and the EU will inject new added values to global dynamism”.The Ambassador also stated that Japan and the EU have a responsibility “to make our partnership a vehicle which has a profound and positive impact on global peace and security, a vehicle which strengthen our own and the global economy”.
Pictures©FriendsofEurope2014
On the Japan-EU SPA and EPA, Ambassador Shiojiri stated that, “we must endeavor to make sure that the content of the agreements is substantial and will have real impact”.
While looking towards the conclusion of the agreements, the Ambassador pointed out that; “if we take too long, we run the risk that the SPA and EPA will be irrelevant when they are concluded. This is why we must consider the importance of a swift conclusion of the negotiations”.
The full text of Ambassador Shiojiri’s opening remarks can be accessed here.
Please visit the Friends of Europe website for more information about this event here.
