German Scholz in Tokyo for talks on closer economic and defense ties

Natalie Portman
By Natalie Portman 2 Min Read
origin 1German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrives in Tokyo on government jet ‘Konrad Adenauer’ for the first German-Japanese government meetings. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Tokyo on Saturday, where he will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to discuss closer economic ties between the two countries.

The talks are expected to focus on international cooperation with Berlin as it seeks to reduce its economic dependence on Chinese raw materials amid global supply chain tensions.

Last year Japan, which also imports raw materials on a large scale, notably passed a law on economic security, considered exemplary by the German government.

Scholz’s talks with Kishida are also expected to address defense issues.

The German military has already sent a warship and fighter planes to the Pacific region to strengthen cooperation with friendly forces. He plans to participate in the exercises again this year.

The chancellor is accompanied to Tokyo by six of his ministers, including Economy Minister Robert Habeck, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Finance Minister Christian Lindner.

Scholz is also accompanied by an 11-person company delegation.

In April of last year Scholz chose Japan as the first travel destination in the region. His predecessors Angela Merkel and Gerhard Schröder went to China first.

origin 1German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrives in Tokyo on government jet ‘Konrad Adenauer’ for the first German-Japanese government meetings. Kay Nietfeld/dpa
origin 1German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrives in Tokyo on government jet ‘Konrad Adenauer’ for the first German-Japanese government meetings. Kay Nietfeld/dpa

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