Macron meets Japan PM Suga, hails 'exceptional' partnership in Indo-Pacific

French President Emmanuel Macron on July 24 met his Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga after watching Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony. Macron is in Japan for virus-postponed Summer Games, and two leers held a 15-minutes conference, following by a one-on-one lunch meeting that lasted about 80 minutes. While taking to Twitter, Macron said that Japan and France have an “exceptional” partnership in Indo-Pacific. 

“At a time when we are all fighting against virus, striving for recovery, this partnership is a strength," French president ded.

Japan, France vow to cooperate in Indo-Pacific

According to NikkeiAsia, two leers said that both countries would push for maritime security and infrastructure development in coastal countries in Indo-Pacific region, in accordance with romap on Japan-France cooperation agreed on in 2019. Following meeting, Suga reportedly said that he is “happy” that re is a “concrete cooperation” in progress between Paris and Tokyo for a free and open Indo-Pacific. In ir meeting, Suga and Macron also spoke about human rights infringements by Chinese government in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. 

Furr, on coronavirus measures, Macron and Suga reportedly agreed on importance of securing vaccines fairly. y also shared hopes for resuming movements across borders. Macron said that he hoped to work closely with Japan in region, which includes French territories.

According to joint statement, y said y even discussed fight against climate change, which is “t a constraint but an opportunity for invation and job creation”. y also touched on issue of parental abduction in Japan, which does t offer joint custody for children in cases of divorce or separation. " two countries are working to strengn ir dialogue while prioritising children's best interests," it said.

Japan PM meets foreign dignitaries 

Meanwhile, Macron met Suga as part of a series of meetings with foreign dignitaries. Suga even met with presidents of Poland, Switzerland, Armenia and Kosovo, as well as Montenegro's prime minister and Turkmenistan's deputy prime minister. US First Ly Jill Biden also met with Japanese Prime Minister ahe of Friday’s opening ceremony.  

(Im: Twitter)