Japan: High Representative/Vice-President Kallas holds third EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Foreign Minister Motegi
26.03.2026
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union/Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi held the third EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue in the margins of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, at the Abbey of Vaux-de-Cernay, France.
During the Dialogue, High Representative Kallas and Foreign Minister Motegi reaffirmed their strong commitment to peace, stability and prosperity, grounded in shared values and support for the rules-based international order. They emphasised the importance of further strengthening the EU–Japan Strategic Partnership in light of an increasingly complex global security environment.
The High Representative and the Foreign Minister welcomed progress in the implementation of the EU-Japan Security and Defence Partnership, highlighting enhanced cooperation in maritime security, cyber, and efforts to counter foreign information manipulation and interference. They underscored the importance of deepening cooperation on economic security, including resilient supply chains.
On Ukraine, both sides reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. They stressed that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace must be in line with international law and the UN Charter. They underlined the need to maintain and increase pressure on Russia, including through sanctions. They reaffirmed the importance of continued close coordination, including within the G7, and of ensuring accountability for violations of international law.
The High Representative and the Foreign Minister discussed developments in the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are closely interconnected. They emphasised the importance of deepening cooperation with like-minded partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The High Representative and the Foreign Minister reaffirmed their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts in the East China Sea and South China Sea to change the status quo by force or coercion and increase tensions that could undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order. Both reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They also expressed grave concerns over the DPRK nuclear and ballistic missile programmes as well as over Russia’s military cooperation with the DPRK.
On the Middle East, they expressed deep concern over recent developments and stressed the urgent need for de-escalation and restraint by all parties. They highlighted the global implications, including for energy security, supply stability and the risk of disruptions to key maritime routes. They reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation, particularly in strategic waterways, and of ensuring the protection of civilians and full respect for international law. Both sides underscored the need to pursue diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and promote regional stability.
Both sides agreed to continue close coordination on global and regional challenges and to further strengthen their partnership, including through enhanced dialogue and cooperation in multilateral fora.