Brussels - Tokyo: Europe and the Arabs

In his opening remarks at the EU-Japan Summit in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, addressed the Japanese government, which is hosting the 30th EU-EU Summit. "I am delighted to meet you again, this time in Tokyo, after the G7 Summit in Kananaskis (Canada). Allow me also to congratulate Japan on the successful organization of Expo Osaka Kansai 2025," Costa said. According to a European statement issued in Brussels, "Japan is our closest partner in the Indo-Pacific region. I would like to emphasize the strength of the EU-Japan partnership, built on shared values and interests. The world needs our close partnership more than ever. I would also like to highlight the depth of our bilateral cooperation and our close coordination in the G7 and numerous multilateral forums.
The EU-Japan partnership represents a well-established model of cooperation in promoting peace, democracy, the rules-based international order, and multilateralism. Our partnership in security and defense is a fundamental pillar of our relationship." This partnership is gaining increasing value in an increasingly turbulent and volatile world. We are working together to enhance our prosperity through trade and innovation, and to strengthen economic security and supply chain resilience.
The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) has been a resounding success. Trade flows have increased by 20% since its implementation. Now, our new Competitiveness Alliance will strengthen our economic ties even further. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, "We are delighted to be back in Tokyo. Yesterday's visit to the Osaka World Expo was a highlight. The Japanese pavilion stood out; it is a masterpiece. Its elegant wooden design evoked a sense of serenity and security. For me, this pavilion embodies the essence of our partnership: calm, resilience, and stability. This is crucial in a turbulent world. Europe and Japan are close and trusted friends. We share values: fairness, openness, and respect for rules. Together, we have the power not only to defend our interests, but also to shape global outcomes. Together, we represent a fifth of global GDP. Our Economic Partnership Agreement is solid and delivering. This summit is our opportunity to take the next steps: strengthening our shared competitiveness, enhancing our shared security, and setting global standards in line with our values. I look forward to our discussions."