On 4 April 2025, in Brussels, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, met with Japan’s Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya, for the second EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue.
This meeting underscored the deepening ties between the EU and Japan, focusing on security and defence cooperation amid evolving global challenges.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Building upon the EU-Japan Security and Defence Partnership established in November 2024, the dialogue aimed to enhance collaboration in key areas:
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Cybersecurity and Space Security: Addressing threats in the digital and space domains.
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Maritime Security: Ensuring safe and open sea lanes.
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Countering Disinformation: Combating foreign information manipulation and interference.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order, emphasizing shared values and mutual interests.
Global Security Concerns
The discussions also covered pressing international issues:
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Support for Ukraine: Both the EU and Japan reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine amidst Russia’s ongoing aggression.
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Indo-Pacific Stability: Emphasis was placed on maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and addressing tensions in the East and South China Seas.
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Middle East Peace Efforts: The leaders called for renewed focus on achieving a two-state solution and adherence to international humanitarian law.
Collaborative Initiatives
To operationalize their commitments, the EU and Japan agreed on several initiatives:
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Joint Military Exercises | Planning and conducting joint drills to enhance interoperability. |
| Defence Industry Cooperation | Facilitating exchanges between defence industries to bolster capabilities. |
| Intelligence Sharing | Exploring agreements to share critical security information. |
Looking Ahead
The dialogue highlighted the importance of close G7 coordination on global security priorities. Both parties acknowledged the interconnected nature of European and Indo-Pacific security environments, committing to ongoing collaboration to address shared challenges.
This strategic dialogue marks a significant step in EU-Japan relations, reflecting a mutual dedication to promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity.
Sources: European Union, Euronews, and The Japan Times.
