Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri Attends 5th Asia Pacific Evaluation Association Conference
Ms. Eri Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, participated in the inauguration of the 5th Asia Pacific Evaluation Association (APEA) Conference at Hitotsubashi Hall, Tokyo, on November 12, 2025. She delivered remarks on behalf of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting the country’s long-standing commitment to international cooperation and evaluation capacity-building in the Asia-Pacific region.
She noted that Japan’s ODA Evaluation Workshops, initiated in 2001, contributed to the founding of APEA in 2012, making this year’s conference a milestone event coinciding with the 20th ODA Evaluation Workshop. She also emphasized Japan’s focus on co-creation, partnership, and strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation systems to tackle global challenges.
The APEA Conference, themed “Institutionalization of Evaluation and Strengthening Capacity Building in the Asia Pacific Region,” runs from November 11–14, bringing together about 200 experts from around the world. The 20th ODA Evaluation Workshop, co-hosted by APEA and the Ministry, will be held in hybrid mode on November 13 with the participation of approximately 60 government officials from across the Asia-Pacific region.
G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Niagara Concludes with Joint Statement on Global Security and Prosperity
The G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the High Representative of the European Union, convened in Niagara under Canada’s G7 Presidency on November 11–12, 2025. Ministers from Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, and Ukraine also participated to discuss key issues including maritime security, energy, and economic resilience.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, calling for an immediate ceasefire and emphasizing that international borders must not be altered by force. They condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and expressed concern over the provision of military aid to Russia from North Korea, Iran, and China.
In addressing the Middle East, the G7 expressed strong support for President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, welcomed the ceasefire and hostage releases, and called for unrestricted humanitarian access. The ministers also urged Iran to comply with nuclear non-proliferation obligations and to resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
On Indo-Pacific affairs, the ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and freedom of navigation in the East and South China Seas, stressing opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo. They also emphasized peaceful cross-strait dialogue regarding Taiwan and expressed concerns over China’s military expansion and North Korea’s nuclear program.
The G7 condemned ongoing violence in Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), calling for ceasefires, humanitarian access, and adherence to peace agreements. The statement also addressed Haiti’s political transition and maritime security in the Caribbean, encouraging contributions toward implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2793.
On economic resilience and energy security, G7 members committed to strengthening cooperation on critical minerals and sustainable supply chains, opposing non-market trade practices, and fostering transparent partnerships for global stability.
Japan Removes Two Individuals from Terrorist Sanctions List
The Government of Japan has lifted asset-freezing and related measures against two individuals previously listed under the United Nations Security Council’s counter-terrorism resolutions 1267, 1989, and 2253. The delisting was carried out in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2799 through a notice issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 12, 2025.
| No. | Name |
|---|---|
| 637 | Ahmad Hussain Al-Sharaa |
| 668 | Anas Hasan Khattab |
Following this decision, Japan’s sanctions list now includes 538 individuals and entities linked to terrorist activities.
Japan and Spain Hold Vice-Ministerial-Level Political Consultation in Tokyo
On November 11, 2025, Japan and Spain held their Vice-Ministerial-level Political Consultation in Tokyo. Japan was represented by Mr. Akahori Takeshi, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, while Spain was represented by Mr. Diego Martínez Belío, State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs. The Ambassador of Spain to Japan, Mr. Iñigo de Palacio, also attended the discussions.
The two sides reviewed progress under the Japan-Spain Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on regional and international issues. They welcomed developments in defense and security cooperation, including recent port visits by the Spanish frigate Mendez Nunez to Yokosuka and Kure, and the agreement in principle on transferring defense equipment and technology.