3 days ago
Taoiseach and Japanese prime minister pledge to deepen economic and trade links
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba have pledged to deepen economic and trade links between Ireland and Japan.
Mr Ishiba met with Mr Martin in the Kantei in Tokyo on Wednesday, noting it was the Taoiseach's fifth time visiting Japan. He welcomed that Japan was the first Asian country Mr Martin had opted to visit since his re-election as Taoiseach.
Mr Ishiba said the 70th anniversary of Japanese-Irish diplomatic links was coming up in 2027, adding that he hoped the two countries could further deepen their relationship in the future.
'We would like to advance a wide-ranging concrete cooperation in such areas as security, economy, agriculture, digital, cultural and people-to-people exchanges — thereby developing our bilateral relationship even further,' Mr Ishiba said.
He also congratulated the opening of Ireland House, the new site of the Irish Embassy in Tokyo, with an official opening ceremony due to take place on Wednesday evening.
In his opening remarks, the Taoiseach thanked Mr Ishiba for the warm welcome and said it was a 'great pleasure' to return to Tokyo to discuss the Ireland-Japan relationship.
'Our country's friendship is anchored in shared values and outlook, shared and outstanding commitment to democracy, to an international rules-based order, to good trading relationships and to strong economic partnership,' Mr Martin said.
We have very strong cultural, education and people-to-people relationships, and my visit this week reflects that.
Mr Martin said he was looking forward to formally opening Ireland House, having turned the sod three years previous.
The Taoiseach said he would be visiting Expo 2025 in Osaka, before travelling to Hiroshima on Friday to reflect on the fact Ireland and Japan 'are good, peace-loving nations'.
'We believe in avoiding war and conflict at all costs. I want to remember those who suffered and I will meet survivors. I am going there in all solemnity to reflect our commitment to nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation,' he said.
Ahead of their meeting, the 302nd Military Police played both the anthems of Ireland and Japan, before Mr Ishiba and Mr Martin inspected the colour party.
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