“Today, I welcomed Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney to Tokyo and held a summit meeting.

“I am truly delighted to reunite with you since the APEC summit last November. I wholeheartedly welcome Mark’s visit to Japan, given your experience stationed here in Tokyo. Mark, welcome back.

“Canada is one of our most important strategic partners in advancing a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” and an irreplaceable ally.

“In light of the current international situation, as the importance of Japan-Canada relations has reached unprecedented heights, Mark and I have elevated our bilateral ties to a new level as a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” and signed the Japan-Canada Joint Statement.

“On the occasion of this visit, we also agreed with Canada to further strengthen security cooperation, launch an economic security dialogue, initiate consultations on cyber policy, and enhance information sharing and mutual cooperation on the protection of our nationals. We also engaged in frank discussions on the international situation, including the Indo-Pacific region and the current situation in Iran.

“At the dinner just now, Mark prepared a celebratory cake for me because tomorrow, March 7, is my birthday. The adorable cake, inspired by the symbols of our two countries—cherry blossoms and maple leaves—was absolutely delicious. I am deeply grateful for Mark’s warm birthday wishes.

“Additionally, I received a set of drumsticks made from Canadian timber from Mark. As a memento of this visit, I presented him with an ice hockey stick, recalling Mark’s days as an ice hockey player during his student years.

“In two years’ time, in 2028, Japan and Canada will mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

“Under this “comprehensive strategic partnership” that begins today, I look forward to joining hands with Mark to open a new chapter in Japan-Canada relations as we approach this historic milestone.”