Ottawa, Ontario
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, concluded his visit to Japan where he represented the Government of Canada at the state funeral of Abe Shinzo, former prime minister of Japan. Minister Champagne expressed his condolences to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio as well as to the people of Japan.
Minister Champagne also conveyed condolences to former prime minister Abe's widow, Mrs. Abe Akie, and commended her husband's leadership and vision during his tenure as Japan's longest-serving leader. The Minister underscored Canada's close and enduring friendship with Japan.
In Tokyo, Minister Champagne also met with Hayashi Yoshimasa, Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Nishimura Yasutoshi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Together, they discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues such as energy security, economic growth and support for a rules-based economic order in the Indo-Pacific region.
While in Japan, the Minister also met with electric vehicle and battery manufacturers to promote Canada as a reliable and attractive economic partner.
