Abe Wants Tighter Japan-France Maritime Security Cooperation

October 18, 2018

Paris- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his country's willingness on Wednesday to strengthen maritime security cooperation with France.

"The two countries' cooperation is more important than ever as the international order is being challenged," Abe told a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, apparently referring to China's maritime expansion.

"We hope to work together for the further prosperity of a free and open Indo-Pacific region," Abe stressed.

Macron pointed to the issue of keeping a balance and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, reflecting his country's strong interest in sea lanes including in the South China Sea as it has Pacific territories including New Caledonia and Tahiti.

The press conference took place before the two leaders held talks at the Elysee Palace presidential office in the French capital.

During their meeting, Abe and Macron agreed that the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the French military will promote joint exercises after a pact for mutual supplies of food, fuel and other items between the two sides was signed in July.

Abe and Macron also agreed that Japan and France will work together to cope with North Korea's illicit ship-to-ship cargo transfers at sea intended to evade sanctions.

The leaders also agreed that the two countries will arrange a visit to Japan by Macron at an early date.

At the press conference, Abe expressed hope that Japan and France, as flag-bearers of free trade, will cooperate to show leadership by putting the Japan-European Union economic partnership agreement into force at an early date.

Macron voiced his eagerness to highlight multilateralism in Group of 20 and Group of Seven summits to be hosted by Japan and France, respectively, next year.

Abe stressed that Japan and France are special partners sharing basic values. As the two countries mark 160 years of friendship this year, the Japonismes 2018 cultural events are being held in venues mainly in Paris.

The Japanese leader was initially scheduled to visit Paris in July, but postponed it due to a massive rain disaster in western Japan in the month. Jiji Press