The annual meeting of the Visegrad Group (V-4) on the level of political directors with Japan took place on 19 December 2011 in Tokyo. Political directors from the Czech Republic (current V-4 Presidency), Poland, Hungary and Slovakia took part on the V-4 side; Mr. Jiro Kodera, the Director General for European Affairs, represented Japan. A brief courtesy call on Mr. Ryuji Yamane, Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister also took place.

Political directors exchanged views on V-4 and Japan dialogue and cooperation, cooperation in international fields and on international issues. They reviewed recent dialogues and cooperation between the V-4 and Japan, and considered future cooperation in areas of mutual interest including global issues and security. The meeting reasserted common values shared by V-4 countries and Japan on most issues discussed.

In addition, political directors held a meeting at the Ministry of Defense of Japan and took part in a panel discussion “EU and Japan seen from Central Europe” organized by the prestigious Japanese think-tank Tokyo Foundation.

V-4 Political Directors at Tokyo Foundation (from right to left): P. Michalko (Slovakia), P. Sztárai (Hungary), P. Fischer (Czech Republic) T. Watanebe and T. Ueta (both Tokyo Foundation).