July 28, 2014 - 

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today wrapped up a successful visit to Tokyo, where he promoted increased bilateral and regional economic cooperation and a deepening of peace and security cooperation.

During his visit, Baird met with Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida and Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, as well as a number of senior industry leaders, to discuss the ongoing negotiations toward a Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (CJEPA) and reinforce the mutual benefits of this agreement. The sixth round of negotiations is being hosted in Ottawa this week.

“An agreement would allow Canada and Japan to strengthen bilateral trade and investment opportunities to the benefit of businesses and consumers in both countries,” said Baird.

“Canada is ready to accelerate progress because we know how many mutual benefits would come from an ambitious and comprehensive deal.”

In his meeting with Minister Kishida, Minister Baird also discussed cooperation in areas such as disaster management and security, including the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). The ACSA will allow Canadian and Japanese forces to exchange basic goods and services during common training exercises, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian assistance operations.

“Canada and Japan are long-standing and natural partners. Japan’s role as a stable democracy in the Asia-Pacific region is vital to our own economic future,” said Baird.

See Address by Minister Baird to Members of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) to read Baird’s full speech about Canada-Japan relations and the CJEPA.

While in Japan, Baird toured the Tokyo Gas Sodegaura Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal. This visit provided an opportunity for Baird to promote Canada as a responsible, reliable and secure energy supplier to markets in Asia.

Baird continues his trip to Asia tomorrow by travelling to Beijing.

src:news.gc.ca