Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have held talks in Tokyo to discuss deepening trade links, bilateral relations and cybersecurity.
Mr Martin said the Prime Minister was also aware of the challenges facing the Irish Government regarding its coastline, a reference to the fact that that around 75% of 550+ international subsea cables pass through or close to Irish waters.
Speaking to journalists after his meeting, the Taoiseach said he indicated how the Government had taken “quite a number of measures”, including creating a cybersecurity centre and boosting cooperation with the EU’s Permanent Structed Cooperation on the Security and Defence.
He said other interventions included reforming maritime law as well as “…sophisticated mechanisms to prevent interference and also deterrence, in terms of a naval presence – but it’s just more than the latter.”
Around 97% of the world’s communications and internet traffic travels through a network of undersea fiber-optic cables – hosting banking systems, businesses, social media and other forms of critical communications.
In his opening remarks, Mr Ishiba welcomed Mr Martin by saying he was “delighted” that the Taoiseach had chosen Japan to be the first Asian country he visited following his election.
He noted that this was Mr Martin’s fifth visit to his country, most recently three years ago.
The Prime Minister said 2017 will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic links between Japan and Ireland.
He said he hoped the two countries could advance a wide ranging “concrete cooperation” in areas such as security, the economy, agriculture, digital, and cultural exchanges.
In his opening remarks, the Taoiseach said it was a “great pleasure” to be back in Tokyo and he looked forward to discussing the ongoing partnership between Ireland and Japan.
He said that the friendship between the two countries was “anchored in shared values” – such as an “outstanding commitment to democracy” and the an “international rules-based order”.
The Taoiseach said there were “very strong culture, educational and people to people relationships” and that was reflected in his visit.
Mr Martin said he was looking forward to opening ‘Ireland House’ which will house the new Irish Embassy.
The 302 Military Police band played both national anthems at the Prime Minister’s residence, the Kanti, before Mr Martin and Mr Ishiba inspected the colour party.
Tomorrow, Mr Martin will travel to the southern city of Osaka and visit Expo 25 where Ireland has a major presence aimed at heightening its trade and cultural presence in Japan.
On his final day, he visits Hiroshima.
