The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, will travel to Japan and the Republic of Korea from 1 to 4 November.

Ahead of the visit, High Representative/Vice-President Borrell said: “My visit to two of our closest partners in the Indo-Pacific is a key milestone in our efforts over the past five years to strengthen the EU’s active engagement in the Indo-Pacific. We have secured alignment on geopolitical issues and advanced the values we share. It is a privilege to be able to travel in these last months of my mandate to both Tokyo and Seoul, not to say farewell, but to open a new chapter in our ever-closer relations.”

The visit will be an opportunity to strengthen the EU’s relations with Japan and the Republic of Korea and boost bilateral and regional cooperation, including on security and defence.

On Friday, High Representative/Vice-President Borrell will be in Tokyo. He will co-chair the EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue together with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. Before the meeting, they will hold a press point, which will be broadcast on EbS. During his visit, the High Representative will meet the Minister for Defence, Gen Nakatani.

On Monday, High Representative Borrell will be in Seoul. He will co-chair the EU-RoK Strategic Dialogue with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul. Before the start of the meeting, they will hold a press point, which will be broadcast on EbS. During his visit, the High Representative will meet with Minister for Defence Kim Yong Hyun. He will also visit the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) and the Joint Security Area (JSA).

More information on the EU’s bilateral relations with Japan and the Republic of Korea is available on the EU Delegation in Tokyo and EU Delegation in Seoul.

Audiovisual material will be available on EbS. Follow @JosepBorrellF and @eu_eeas for live updates.