Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu, looking ahead to foreign policy issues Japan might face in 2026, highlighted Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the unstable situation in the Middle East, China’s diplomatic posture, and military developments, as well as North Korea’s nuclear and missile development and military cooperation with Russia.

Motegi spoke of “increasing instability and challenges, with significant issues to address, including economic security and climate change.”

To move on the diplomatic front, Motegi said, “We aim to deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance and establish a broad range of cooperative relationships, engaging multilaterally with allies and strengthening relations with countries in the Global South.”

Motegi also mentioned the 10th anniversary of Japan’s policy on a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, stating, “I intend to vigorously promote this as a pillar of Japan’s diplomacy, further deepening it in line with changes in the era.”

He added that Japan has built up trust through diplomacy “with many counterparts from allied and like-minded countries. I feel that expectations for Japan as a reliable partner are rising even higher.”