Japan-France Defense Minister's Telephone Conversation

On April 17, 2020, Minister KONO had a telephone conversation with Minister Parly of France.

1. The two ministers exchanged views on issues such as the roles to be played by the defense authorities given the global spread of COVID-19. Minister Kono explained about the infection-preventative measures Japan Self-Defense Forces have taken in their operation on the cruise ship Diamond Princess and analysis by the SDF Central Hospital using a presentation document (see attached). Minister Parly also explained about the situations and measures taken in France.
2. Further, two ministers exchanged views on defense cooperation between Japan and France. Minister Kono, taking into consideration the implications of COVID-19, expressed the importance of both countries' maintaining watertight defense system and of continued and strengthened bilateral defense cooperation based on the vision of Free and Open Indo Pacific.
3. The two ministers agreed on the following three points bearing in mind the circumstances arisen by the spread of COVID-19;

1. sharing information, knowledge and lessons learnt about the measures taken by defense authorities towards overcoming COVID-19 at the earliest stage;
2. necessity of sharing threat recognition based on current circumstances and potential effects of the spread of the virus that each country may undergo in terms of defense policy from the perspectives of roles to be played by defense authorities; and
3. promoting vigorously defense cooperation and exchanges, including the 2+2 meeting at the earliest possible timing, based on the vision of Free and Open Indo Pacific while maintaining communication between the defense authorities.

• Japan Self-Defense Forces Engagement in response to COVID-19