Japan-EU Leaders' meeting on 26 May 2020

H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and H.E. Dr. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, held a Leaders Meeting via VTC on 26 May 2020.

During the meeting the following points were covered:
COVID-19
The leaders recognised that global solidarity, cooperation and effective multilateralism are required more than ever to defeat the virus as well as to ensure economic recovery.
RESILIENCE
The leaders emphasised the importance of strengthening preparedness and of improving the international response including through relevant international organisations while reaffirming the role of the WHO in coordinating the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
RECOVERY STRATEGY
The EU and Japan leaders stressed their determination to ensure a robust recovery and rebuild more sustainable, inclusive and resilient economies.
They emphasised that the green transition and the digital transformation will be part of the recovery strategy.
JAPAN-EU STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Japan-EU strategic partnership in tackling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other common challenges. They also expressed their determination to continue implementing the Japan-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement and the Economic Partnership Agreement.
FUTURE STEPS
Leaders look forward to holding a summit meeting when conditions allow in order to take cooperation between Japan and the EU further in areas such as:

• connectivity, transport and energy
• global environmental issues and challenges
• climate change
• digital transformation
• health
• free, fair and rules-based trade
• security and defence

Content of discussed topic and the joint press release are available on the European Council website.
Source: European Council

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2020/05/26/
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/05/26/joint-press-release-japan-eu-leaders-meeting/