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Japanese Parliamentary Delegation Visited Ottawa for 21st Bilateral Meeting, Discussing Peace and Security, Innovation, Academic Collaboration, and Family Welfare

On 28 August 2023, a delegation from the Japan–Canada Diet Friendship League joined Canadian parliamentarians from the Canada–Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CAJP) in Ottawa for the 21^st Bilateral Meeting.

During their formal consultations, legislators from Canada and Japan focused on three themes that are important to each country: cooperating on peace, security and trade issues; collaborating on policies relating to science and technology, and scientific and academic exchanges; and ensuring the existence of policies that support families.

Senator Stanley Kutcher, Senate Co-Chair of the CAJP stated: “I was pleased to welcome Japanese colleagues to Canada for our first in-person, post-pandemic bilateral meeting. Our fulsome discussions on a range of critical topics demonstrated our joint commitment to foster stronger and enduring bonds. With a history dating back to 1981, this bilateral meeting continued a tradition of partnership and cooperation.”

House of Commons’ CAJP Co-Chair Terry Sheehan, MP, concluded: “The depth of our deliberations on three critical issues illustrated that there is much on which we can work collaboratively together for our joint benefit, and much that we can learn from each other. We very much look forward to formal consultations between Canadian and Japanese parliamentarians at the 22^nd Bilateral Meeting and beyond.“

For further information about the Canada–Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, contact:

Grant McLaughlin, Association Secretary

Canada–Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group – 613-943-0288

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