This evening, I held a phone summit with Prime Minister Jetten of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten.
Prime Minister Jetten assumed office this February, and this was the first time we were able to speak.
First, I extended my renewed congratulations to Prime Minister Jetten on his appointment.
Japan and the Netherlands have maintained a friendship spanning over 400 years, dating back to 1600 when the Dutch merchant ship De Liefde drifted ashore in our country.
I expressed my desire to further develop this relationship.
There are also close exchanges between our Imperial Family and the Dutch Royal Family.
This month, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress are scheduled to visit the Netherlands.
We confirmed that we will continue to closely cooperate toward the success of this visit, so that it may serve as an opportunity to further deepen the friendly relations between our two countries.
Cooperation between our two governments is also becoming increasingly robust.
With Prime Minister Jetten, we agreed to advance bilateral cooperation in a wide range of fields, including security and economic security, and to continue close coordination on international affairs such as the situation in East Asia.
As strategic partners sharing values and principles, I look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Netherlands.
: Sanae Takaichi
Prime Minister of Japan