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Working Visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský to Japan

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský visited Japan from February 29 to March 2, 2024. Following visits to India and Australia, it marked the final destination of his tour across Indo-Pacific countries. During his stay, Minister Lipavský signed an aviation agreement with Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa, establishing the foundation for direct air connections.

Minister Lipavsky began his visit on 29 February at the premises of the Czech Embassy in Tokyo, launching the 4th Czech Republic - Japan Business and Investment Forum 2024, where members of the Czech business delegation introduced themselves to their Japanese counterparts. Subsequently, Minister Lipavský headed to the Czech Centre Tokyo, where he met personally with representatives of Czech-Japanese associations and with students and teachers of Bohemian studies at the Tokyo University of International Studies and Japanese Bohemian scholars. The Minister then continued with a meeting with Ms. Hanako Jimi, the Japanese Minister for Expo 2025, followed by a meeting with Japan's Foreign Minister, Ms. Yoko Kamikawa. The discussion focused on the possibilities for future cooperation, especially in the economic and security domains. The diplomatic talks culminated in the ceremonial signing of the aviation agreement, laying the groundwork for direct air links between the Czech Republic and Japan.

On his second day in Tokyo, Minister Lipavský began with a working meeting with the Speaker of the Japanese Parliament, Mr Fukushiro Nukaga. They discussed bilateral cooperation and joint support of both countries for Ukraine. The Minister continued his program at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, where an expert symposium named "Security Challenges and Global Outlook: 25 Years of the Czech Republic's NATO Membership" was held. At the symposium, Minister Lipavsky delivered a keynote speech focusing on the current security challenges of the 21st century. In his speech, Minister Lipavsky highlighted NATO's vital role in ensuring stability in Europe and called for continued support for Ukraine. Minister Lipavsky's agenda for the day concluded with a visit to the Japanese Ministry of Defence, where he met with the President of the National Institute for Defence Studies, Takeshi Ishikawa, and other experts.

On his last day in Japan, Minister Lipavský headed to Osaka, where he visited the sites of the EXPO 2025 World Exhibition. At the Expo, the Czech Republic will be presenting itself under the theme "Talent and Creativity for Life". In Osaka, Minister Lipavský also met with the governor of the prefecture, Mr. Hirofumi Yoshimura, as well as other politicians and organizers of Expo 2025. There he observed the preparations and introduced the topics with which the Czech Republic will participate in the exhibition, generally supporting Czech involvement in the EXPO 2025 and Japanese organizers in preparing for this global event.