Brussels: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas and Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. According to Kuwait News Agency, during their second EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue in Brussels, both sides focused on ways to deepen cooperation under the EU-Japan Security and Defence Partnership, concluded in November 2024. Amid increasing security challenges, the Partnership enhances bilateral cooperation and dialogue on key areas of mutual interest, including cyber issues, maritime security, space security, and the fight against foreign information manipulations and interference. During their discussions, High Representative Kallas and Foreign Minister Iwaya reaffirmed their commitment to the rules-based international order, peace, stability, and prosperity worldwide, grounded in shared values and common interests. They emphasized th e importance of close collaboration on regional and global security, particularly focusing on the interconnected security environments of Europe and the Indo-Pacific. The High Representative and the Foreign Minister reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine in pursuit of peace through strength, as it fights against Russia's war of aggression. They highlighted the importance of achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with international law and the UN Charter. They condemned third-country enabling of Russia's illegal war of aggression, the deployment of DPRK troops to Russia, and DPRK's unlawful arms transfers to Russia, which breach multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. They also expressed concerns over Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as over Russia-DPRK military cooperation, which creates instability in North-East Asia. In their discussions, Kallas and Iwaya expressed concerns about the situations in the East China Sea and t he South China Sea and about increased tensions undermining regional stability and the international rules-based order. Both reaffirmed that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are of strategic importance for regional and global security and prosperity, and expressed their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. Regarding the Middle East, Kallas and Iwaya condemned the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza. They also called for the full respect of international humanitarian law and reiterated the need for a renewed focus on a two-state solution and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. With regard to Iran, they shared concerns about the expansion of Iran's nuclear program and stressed the need for a diplomatic solution and a multilateral approach. The High Representative and the Foreign Minister agreed on the need for maintaining close G7 coordination and unity on key global and regional foreign policy priorities, as the international community faces geopolitical tensions and major challenges to the rule of law.
