Kishida Meets Macron: "Unwavering Japanese Support Against North Korea"

Joint Statement Mentions North Korean Nuclear Issue

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who visited France as the first country on his tour of five out of the Group of Seven (G7) nations, met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss issues including North Korea's nuclear problem, the war in Ukraine, and food security, AP News reported on the 9th (local time).

According to the report, Prime Minister Kishida and President Macron, who arrived in Paris that afternoon, issued a joint statement before their dinner, mentioning key issues including North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles.

President Macron welcoming Prime Minister Kishida (left) at the ?lys?e Palace in Paris. [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

President Macron emphasized, "Japan, facing North Korea's clear violations of international law, can expect our unwavering support." In response, Prime Minister Kishida stated that amid China's growing military claims, France is an important partner necessary for creating a free and open Indo-Pacific, and that cooperation such as military training with France will be strengthened.

President Macron expressed gratitude for Japan's economic and humanitarian support to Ukraine, emphasizing, "Beyond the war in Ukraine, the two countries have never failed to closely coordinate on major international crises, including nuclear non-proliferation issues."

Prime Minister Kishida added, "We are facing security issues due to attempts to change the status quo by force in the East China Sea and South China Sea," and said, "We want to continue promoting asset exchanges, joint military training, and other substantial cooperation with France."

President Macron and Prime Minister Kishida also announced that they will strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as nuclear power, renewable energy, the automotive industry, and the defense sector.

The two leaders discussed ways to minimize the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), implemented by the United States, on their respective economies during their working dinner.

President Macron had clearly stated during his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on the 1st of last month that France and other European countries oppose the IRA, which benefits only North American electric vehicles.

Before the dinner, the two leaders toured the reconstruction site of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, which partially collapsed due to a fire in April 2019. This is the first time a foreign head of state has visited the restoration site of Notre-Dame Cathedral, where the spire and other parts were damaged. Like France, Japan is also promoting the restoration of Okinawa's Shuri Castle, which was nearly destroyed by fire in 2019, to its original state.

As the chair of the G7 this year, Prime Minister Kishida embarked on a tour of member countries ahead of the G7 summit to be held in Hiroshima, Japan, in May. Following France, he will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on the 10th, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London on the 11th, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on the 12th, and U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on the 23rd.