Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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24. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he met with his Japanese counterpart during the recent UN General Assembly week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53846/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Japan is a like-minded partner for Ireland on the global stage, a country which shares our commitment to the international rules-based order and a multilateral trading system. Japan is also Ireland’s second-largest trading partner in the Asia-Pacific, with annual two-way trade in goods and services of over €21 billion. Our economic and knowledge partnerships provide significant opportunities for both countries.

In 2022 Ireland and Japan signed a Joint Statement, which established an agenda to take existing relations to a new, higher level over the next decade. This year has seen the realisation by my Department of two major projects in Japan: the completion of Ireland House Tokyo, a new location for the Embassy and State Agencies to work together in promoting Irish interests; and Ireland’s participation in Expo 2025 in Osaka. These investments will serve as a platform for Ireland to showcase and further strengthen the relationship with Japan in the years ahead.

There is regular and sustained engagement between Ireland and Japan. During 2025, as part of a whole-of-government approach to capitalise on our investment in the relationship, seven Irish Ministers visited Japan and met their counterparts, broadening our relationship into new areas. The Taoiseach visited Japan in July, and met with the Japanese Prime Minister.

The UN General Assembly is an excellent opportunity to meet colleagues, especially those we do not see elsewhere. On this occasion I did not meet with Foreign Minister Iwaya there, but we met in February 2025 at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, where we had a very productive discussion.