Cork's Micheál Martin keen to strengthen ties with ‘like-minded’ Japan

Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba in Toyko on yesterday, which included discussions on bilateral and economic relations between the two countries.

Following a salute and guard of honour ceremony, the two leaders held a summit meeting which was followed by a working lunch.

The Japanese Prime Minister expressed his delight that Japan was chosen as the first country Mr Martin has visited in Asia since being re-elected as Taoiseach.

Mr Ishiba extended his congratulations on the opening of Ireland House Tokyo, which will hold the Embassy, trade and tourism promotion agencies, and an event space.

During the meeting Mr Ishiba and Mr Martin also agreed to further advance co-operation across a wide range of areas toward the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan, which will be in 2027. 

Among the areas included are security, economy, digitalisation, agriculture, people-to-people exchanges and cultural exchanges.

With regards to bilateral relations between Ireland and Japan, the two leaders also agreed to co-ordinate in the field of security and cybersecurity.

The two leaders also shared the recognition that unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force is unacceptable anywhere in the world, while that that they would continue to co-operate to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Speaking after the meeting, the Taoiseach said: “I was delighted to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba in Tokyo today. There is a longstanding, strong friendship between Ireland and Japan. We agreed to build on this mutually beneficial partnership and further strengthen the economic ties between our countries.

“Japan is a key trading partner for Ireland. We are both pro-enterprise and pro-business. This important economic relationship formed a key part of our discussions. 

"In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, it is important that we build on the relationships we have with like-minded partners, such as Japan.

Mr Martin added: “Much progress has been made since my last visit to Japan in 2022 when the Joint Leaders statement between our two countries was signed. We are committed to further developing our political, economic, trade and people-to-people links.

“We also discussed Ireland’s participation at Expo and the opening of Ireland House Tokyo, the new home of Ireland’s embassy and state agencies in Japan, which demonstrates our commitment to further develop bilateral relations with Japan.” 

The Taoiseach will continue his visit of Japan on Thursday, when he is scheduled to attend an Expo in Osaka. On Friday, Mr Martin will visit Hiroshima where he will be laying a wreath at the memorial for victims of the atomic bomb.