In the morning of October 28, DP President Renho met with European Union (EU) Ambassador Viorel Isticioaia-Budura inside the Diet building, and discussed a variety of issues.
At the start of the meeting, Renho welcomed the Ambassador’s visit and commented on June’s UK referendum on whether to leave the EU, saying, “Interest in the EU has been growing inside Japan. When we were in government, I worked under the then Foreign Minister Okada, to strengthen our relations with the EU.”
The Ambassador conveyed his congratulations to Renho on her appointment to DP President, and went on to convey his appreciation for the DP’s exchanges with the EU and for the party’s support for the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
The discussion ranged over a variety of topics including significant issues outstanding between Japan and EU, such as the EPA and Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), constitutional revision, opposition cooperation, the contribution of women to society and education. The meeting ended with a short conversation in Chinese by Renho and the Ambassador, who both are fluent.
DP International Department Director-General Hiroe Makiyama was
also present at the meeting.
Photo: President Renho shakes hands with Ambassador Viorel Isticioaia-Budura