Joint Statement of Japan-France 2+2 Ministerial Meeting Emphasizes North Korea's Nuclear and Missile Dismantlement

Photo by AFP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] In a joint statement released after the so-called '2+2 meeting' attended by the foreign and defense ministers of Japan and France, the two countries included a commitment to aim for the verifiable dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear and missile development activities.

Japan and France agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of security during the 2+2 meeting held via video conference on the 20th, NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, reported on the 21st.

The two countries made significant progress in discussions related to countering China and shared the recognition that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are important. This was the first 2+2 meeting between Japan and France since 2019.

Japan and France confirmed their intention to promote discussions for concluding an agreement that sets out the necessary procedures when the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the French military conduct joint exercises. Japan had previously signed a 'Readiness and Facilitation Agreement' (RAA) with Australia to simplify procedures such as the import of weapons for joint exercises, and it is now moving toward concluding a similar agreement with France.

Concerns about North Korea were also expressed. Japan and France agreed to cooperate to prevent ship-to-ship transfers, a form of illicit trade where North Korean vessels transfer cargo to other countries' ships at sea, and to urge the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions on North Korea.

The two countries also agreed to collaborate on emerging security challenges that have recently gained attention, such as economic security, space, and cyber security. They reiterated their strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called on Russia to cease actions that escalate tensions.

Japan and France emphasized that to permanently resolve the Ukraine crisis, the Minsk peace agreement signed in 2014 by Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and France must be implemented.

Attending the meeting were Japan's Foreign Minister Hayashi and Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo, and France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Defense Minister Florence Parly.