Japan-Germany Defense Ministers’ Video Teleconference

On November 10, 2020, Minister KISHI held a video teleconference with German Federal Minister of Defence, Kramp-Karrenbauer for approximately 45 minutes.

1. Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer congratulated Minister Kishi on his appointment as Minister of Defense. Minister Kishi expressed his appreciation.
2. The two ministers exchanged views on the regional security issues, including the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and reaffirmed their continued close cooperation. The ministers affirmed to continue exchanging views in light of the current events occurring in the region and concurred in sending a clear message about their opposition against any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by coercion or any activities that escalate tension, and the importance of a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law.
3. Minister Kishi proposed to develop a cohesive action against risks imposed by infectious diseases that could affect peace and security and promote the following efforts between the two countries, and Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer concurred on his proposal.
   • sharing lessons learned in the HA/DR operations during the COVID-19 pandemic
   • finding new opportunities for cooperation in third countries in order to make them more resilient to the pandemic
   • exchanging views with like-minded countries on activities, such as propaganda efforts, by third party who aims at creating international and regional orders more preferable to itself
4. In addition, Minister Kishi welcomed and raised the “Policy guidelines for the Indo-Pacific region” released by Germany, and he expressed high expectation for Germany’s commitment in the region. The two ministers also concurred in maintaining close communication between respective defense authorities and proactively promoting defense cooperation and exchanges to uphold and reinforce the Free and Open Indo-Pacific.