Marie-Anne Coninsx, the European Union's Ambassador at Large for the Arctic, is visiting Japan on 18-20 June, 2018.

During this first visit to Japan in her current capacity, Ambassador Coninsx will take part in the EU-Japan Arctic Consultation on 18 June, where the Japanese side will be led by Eiji Yamamoto, Ambassador in charge of Arctic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She will also use this opportunity to exchange views with other Japanese interlocutors ranging from politicians to the business community to researchers and explain the EU's policy and engagement regarding issues related to the Arctic and addressing the good cooperation between the EU and Japan notably in the area of science and technology.

In April 2016, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission published a Joint Communication to guide the EU's actions in the Arctic region, with concrete actions focusing on such areas as climate change, environmental protection, sustainable development and international cooperation. The particular importance of research, science and innovation is reflected across these priority areas.