His Excellency Keiichi Katakami, Japanese Ambassador to the EU, invited JBCE Directors and Chairs to his residence on 11th December. JBCE participants introduced their priorities in JBCE and showed their enthusiasm to contribute to strengthening the relationship between EU and Japan.
The Ambassador appreciated JBCE’s expectation to conclude the ambitious EU-Japan FTA/EPA negotiation in principle during 2015. He shared his vision on the long-term relationship between the EU and Japan, not only with regard to economic aspects but also with regard to social and security aspects. To achieve this long-term vision, the Ambassador confirmed that the role of JBCE as a bridge between two regions would be important.