Message from Ambassador MASAKI
2023/2/6
Happy New Year!
For more than two years since my arrival in Brussels in autumn 2020, I have been working to strengthen relations between Japan and the EU as they become increasingly important in light of ongoing turbulence in Europe and in the wider global context. At the start of the year, I would like to reflect on the past and look ahead to 2023.
In 2022, just as restrictions following the long-running pandemic were being eased and people's activities were returning to previous levels, an unprecedented crisis occurred with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As it happened on the European border where the people had pledged firmly never to wage war again after the Second World War, the act came as a deep shock. Unfortunately, however, this type of aggression cannot be considered as an isolated case.. In fact, the challenge to the international order is also ongoing in East Asia, as highlighted by Prime Minister Kishida's statement that "Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow". In cooperation with like-minded countries and partners such as the EU, Japan has consistently shown strong solidarity with Ukraine, imposed tough sanctions against Russia and strongly pushed for support for Ukraine.
In 2023, Japan will lead the discussions as holder of the G7 Presidency, whereby it will demonstrate its determination to continue to uphold the international order based on the rule of law, while also addressing global challenges such as energy issues and the food crisis. To this end, we would like to further promote cooperation with the EU, which is also a G7 member.
Finally, both Japan and the EU share a history and common experience of reconstruction from the devastation of the post-war period. The EU is an important partner for Japan as both share fundamental values. Japan would like to address various challenges in the international community. I will do my utmost to be at the forefront of this effort so that I would like to ask for your support in this endeavour.
日本語はこちら。
For more than two years since my arrival in Brussels in autumn 2020, I have been working to strengthen relations between Japan and the EU as they become increasingly important in light of ongoing turbulence in Europe and in the wider global context. At the start of the year, I would like to reflect on the past and look ahead to 2023.
In 2022, just as restrictions following the long-running pandemic were being eased and people's activities were returning to previous levels, an unprecedented crisis occurred with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As it happened on the European border where the people had pledged firmly never to wage war again after the Second World War, the act came as a deep shock. Unfortunately, however, this type of aggression cannot be considered as an isolated case.. In fact, the challenge to the international order is also ongoing in East Asia, as highlighted by Prime Minister Kishida's statement that "Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow". In cooperation with like-minded countries and partners such as the EU, Japan has consistently shown strong solidarity with Ukraine, imposed tough sanctions against Russia and strongly pushed for support for Ukraine.
In 2023, Japan will lead the discussions as holder of the G7 Presidency, whereby it will demonstrate its determination to continue to uphold the international order based on the rule of law, while also addressing global challenges such as energy issues and the food crisis. To this end, we would like to further promote cooperation with the EU, which is also a G7 member.
Finally, both Japan and the EU share a history and common experience of reconstruction from the devastation of the post-war period. The EU is an important partner for Japan as both share fundamental values. Japan would like to address various challenges in the international community. I will do my utmost to be at the forefront of this effort so that I would like to ask for your support in this endeavour.
日本語はこちら。