(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
At the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Defense to be held for the first time, there were five sessions: Session 1 on the Middle East, Session 2 on Africa, Session 3 on the Indo-Pacific, Session 4 on Ukraine, and Session 5 on defense readiness. Through the five sessions, the G7 and NATO members engaged in meaningful discussions on important issues surrounding each region and the defense authorities. In the session on the Middle East, we held discussions in a wide range of areas, including the situations in Gaza and Lebanon. Firstly, we concurred to call for an immediate ceasefire to avoid further civilian casualties and escalation of the situation, and for constructive engagement by all parties to reduce tensions. Secondly, we condemned the attacks perpetrated by the Houthis against civilian vessels, and reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation. Next, in the session on Africa, the G7 members shared their recognition of the security issues faced by Africa and the importance of strengthening cooperation with African countries, and expressed concern about several state and non-state actors pursuing strategies that create instability in Africa, including disinformation. In Session 3 on the Indo-Pacific region, we confirmed our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law. We also expressed serious concern about the situation in the East and South China Seas and reiterated strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. In addition, we expressed strong concern over the military cooperation between China and Russia in relation to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Moreover, we condemned the continued development of North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and expressed concern about the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Next, in the session on Ukraine, on Russia’s aggression as an outrageous act that shakes the very foundations of the international order, I stated that the international community needs to unite and resolutely oppose it. The G7 members concurred their unwavering support to Ukraine. In Session 5 on defense readiness, we expressed our commitment to maintaining and strengthening the defense production and technology base while ensuring a resilient supply chain, and concurred on the importance of sharing best practices for securing the human resource foundation among G7 members and NATO. Additionally, I took the opportunity of the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Defense to hold Defense Ministerial Meetings with various countries, including the U.S. At the Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting, we concurred to further reinforce the Alliance capabilities to deter and respond through the following efforts: 1) the effective operation of counterstrike capabilities; 2) the upgrading of respective command and control frameworks; 3) the expansion of bilateral presence in the southwestern region of Japan; and 4) the promotion of defense industry cooperation. I also held Japan-Italy and Japan-Germany Defense Ministerial Meetings. At these meetings, we exchanged views on defense cooperation and exchanges, and affirmed that we will work closely to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. At the Japan-Italy Defense Ministerial Meetings, we welcomed that the two countries recently agreed in principle on the Japan-Italy Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). This is an agreement on the mutual provision of goods, such as fuel. Japan will continue to strengthen cooperation with ally and like-minded countries, including G7 members, and make every effort to contribute to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the entire international community, including the Indo-Pacific region.
Next, I would like to speak about the Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting held between Japan, UK, and Italy. This afternoon, I held the Trilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting with Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence of the UK and Crosetto, Minister of Defense of Italy. We engaged in very meaningful discussions in an extremely positive atmosphere. At the meeting, firstly, we affirmed that substantial progress has been made toward the establishment of the proposed Joint Venture as a counterpart of GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), the international organization that will manage GCAP. This has paved the way for the launch of the Joint Venture with GIGO, which will serve as two vital instruments to promote GCAP. We concurred that the next step will be to accelerate work required to conclude the initial merger agreement between the two parties within the next year. The Japanese member of this Joint Venture will be Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC). JAIEC is a company jointly invested in by the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies (SJAC) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). JAIEC is anticipated to work on GCAP under an “all-Japan” system, bringing together SJAC’s knowledge of the aircraft industry, including of domestic and foreign supply chains, along with MHI's knowledge of aircraft development. With regard to GIGO, we, the Defense Ministers of Japan, the UK, and Italy confirmed the progress of current preparations and concurred on further accelerating the necessary work toward the launch of the organization by the end of the year. I explained that Japan is proceeding with preparations to send out the first Chief Executive of GIGO, which we had previously agreed on by consensus. I intend to have Mr. OKA Masami, who has a wealth of international experience, including serving as Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs, lead the mixed team from Japan, the UK and Italy as the first Chief Executive. The three countries agreed that they will make final arrangements. The GCAP is indispensable for the security of Japan and is positioned at the core of defense cooperation between Japan-UK and Japan-Italy. Under my leadership, Japan intends to work closely with the UK and Italy, including at the ministerial level, to push forward toward its completion.