Key Facts
• August 18, 2025: Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met Germany’s Foreign Minister Wardefoor in Tokyo.
• First-ever Japan-Germany foreign ministers’ strategic dialogue held.
• Both emphasized inseparability of European and Indo-Pacific security.
• Reaffirmed G7 unity for an early ceasefire in Ukraine.
• Agreed to strengthen security and economic security cooperation.
• Wardefoor chose Japan as his first Asian visit as foreign minister.
• Joint press conference highlighted G7’s role in achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.
• Wardefoor criticized China’s support for Russia, warning against Sino-Russian military cooperation.
• Agreed to hold a 2+2 meeting of foreign and defense ministers soon.
• Planned intergovernmental talks on economic security for fall 2025.
Summary
On August 18, 2025, Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Germany’s Foreign Minister Wardefoor held their first strategic dialogue in Tokyo. The meeting underscored the inseparability of European and Indo-Pacific security and reaffirmed the necessity of G7 unity to achieve an early ceasefire in Ukraine. Both ministers agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in security and economic security. Wardefoor, who selected Japan as his first Asian destination as foreign minister, emphasized Japan’s unique partnership with shared values and interests. During a joint press conference, Iwaya stressed the importance of G7 solidarity for lasting peace in Ukraine, while Wardefoor criticized China’s support for Russia and warned against Sino-Russian military ties. The two ministers also agreed to convene a 2+2 meeting of foreign and defense ministers and to hold intergovernmental talks on economic security in fall 2025.
