Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI Attends 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum

Keynote Address at Opening Plenary Session

On November 22, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI delivered a keynote address at the opening plenary session of the 4th Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum. She noted that the free, open, and stable international order long upheld by the international community is facing serious challenges due to historical shifts in the balance of power and increasing geopolitical competition. She stated that unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion are unacceptable in any region, including Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Highlighting the inseparable nature of security in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific, she underscored the need to restore, maintain, and reinforce a free and open international order grounded in the rule of law. She added that Japan will continue advancing the Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative, which marks its tenth anniversary next year, and will adapt it to current challenges. She also expressed Japan’s intention to deepen cooperation with partners such as Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, ASEAN, South Asia, and Pacific Island countries to promote the initiative.

Roundtable Discussions

During the roundtable on Security Priorities in the Face of Current Geopolitical Developments, co-chaired by Ms. Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, and Hon. Maria Teresa Lazaro, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI addressed the severe security environment in the Indo-Pacific. She emphasized the importance of enhancing and broadening cooperation between Europe and the Indo-Pacific. She reiterated Japan’s strong appreciation for the EU’s commitment to strengthening security and defense cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners, including Japan, as outlined in the White Paper for European Defence. She also conveyed Japan’s commitment to expanding dialogue and cooperation with Europe in areas such as defense industry collaboration, maritime security, cyber, space, and responses to hybrid warfare.

During the Forum, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI held brief discussions with HRVP Kallas, who hosted the meeting, as well as with heads of delegations, including foreign ministers from various countries.

Reference

4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum

The Forum was attended by more than 65 countries and organizations, including EU member states and invited non-EU countries and institutions from regions such as ASEAN, Pacific Island countries, the Middle East, and Africa. Alongside the plenary session, roundtable discussions were held on Security Priorities in the Face of Current Geopolitical Developments, Shared Prosperity, Economic Security and Digital Connectivity, and Common Endeavors for a Clean and Sustainable Future.