Finnish, Japanese PMs discuss bilateral political, economic ties

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday met in Tokyo and discussed various issues including bilateral political, trade and economic relations between the countries.

They also discussed a variety of topical international issues and addressed the situation in Ukraine and the need for support, said a government press release.

Ther Prime Ministers shared their serious concerns about increased military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

Bilateral relations between Finland and Japan are excellent. The Joint Statement on a Strategic Partnership adopted at the level of Heads of State or Government in 2016 covers political, commercial, social, Arctic and multilateral issues.

“I am pleased with our decision to renew our strategic partnership next year. The world has changed a lot in recent years, and it is important for our partnership to reflect the current geopolitical situation, our common priorities and our will to expand cooperation into new areas,” said Orpo.

The prime ministers stressed the importance of deepening cooperation especially in the fields of advanced technology and defence. Positive developments in this area include an agreement on defence materiel and technology cooperation, for which negotiations are about to begin. Japan is also interested in Finland’s civil defence solutions and comprehensive security model.

“Japan is one of Finland’s most important trading partners in Asia, and our cooperation has expanded into several key sectors. Finland has a lot to offer in areas such as cutting-edge technologies, safe and secure connections, the clean transition and defence. Cooperation in these fields benefits both Finland and Japan, and also has a positive impact globally,” said the Finnish Prime Minister.

Orpo spoke earlier on Tuesday at a seminar on the clean and digital transition, which was organised for the visiting Finnish business delegation and companies based in Japan.

From Tokyo, Prime Minister will continue to Kyoto and Osaka on Wednesday.