Minister Kulhánek signs new strategic cooperation plan with Japan
11.05.2021 / 10:26 | Aktualizováno: 02.03.2023 / 15:59
On 7 May, Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhánek (ČSSD) held talks in Warsaw with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi. At the meeting, the ministers signed the Action Plan for Cooperation between the Czech Republic and Japan for the period of 2021-2025. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the meeting of foreign ministers of the Visegrad Group and Japan, organised by the Polish Presidency of the V4.
Minister Kulhánek highlighted the high level of mutual relations. Both representatives appreciated the excellent cooperation in areas such as economics, culture, education and science and technology. "I value our strong economic cooperation," Minister Kulhánek said. "Japan is the Czech Republic's fourth-largest trading partner outside Europe and has long been the second-largest investor in our country."
During the meeting, possible synergies between the V4 countries and Japan in supporting the political and economic transformation of the Western Balkans were discussed, as well as the possibilities of further cooperation between the EU and Japan, including in the humanitarian and development fields. "I believe that the forthcoming EU-Japan summit in May will contribute to the economic recovery and help overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world," the top Czech diplomat said.
Finally, Ministers Kulhánek and Motegi signed the Action Plan for Cooperation between the Czech Republic and Japan for the period of 2021-2025. The document defines key areas of strategic cooperation, first agreed in 2003. In addition to the economy, priority areas will include science, innovation and trade. Cooperation in the field of security and multilateral diplomacy is also an important component.
After China and South Korea, Japan is the third country in Asia with which Czechia has such relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently also negotiating a strategic partnership with India and enhanced cooperation with Australia.
Other topics discussed included Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative, the role of China in the world and current developments in North Korea.
Japan is the second-largest investor in the Czech Republic and the Czech Republic's second most important trading partner in Asia. Trade revenue in 2020 reached USD 3.8 billion. A total of 260 Japanese companies currently employ over 50,000 people in the Czech Republic.
Minister Kulhánek signs new strategic cooperation plan with Japan
Minister Kulhánek signs new strategic cooperation plan with Japan