[Title] Three Seas Summit 2025, Message by Japanese Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Three Seas Summit. The Three Seas Initiative (3SI) has been increasing its importance, fostering solidarity and connectivity among Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, all of which are located in the eastern part of Europe and bordered by the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas. I would like to commend President Duda for his strong leadership in the development of this initiative and for hosting this Summit.

Japan has become a strategic partner of the 3SI at the latest summit held in 2024, in order to deepen cooperation with the Initiative. The global security environment is getting more and more complex and severe. As the Russia's aggression against Ukraine exemplifies, the security of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable. Japan will continue its diplomatic efforts and remain dedicated to closely collaborating with the members of the 3SI and its strategic partners to ensure that diplomatic efforts by various countries lead to an end of the combat and to the realization of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Moreover, the economic growth in the 3SI region and the strengthening of the transatlantic relations, which are the themes of this summit, are crucial for enhancing regional connectivity, as well as fostering partnerships with other regions. This is a vital component for the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. As part of these efforts, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is preparing to open a Representative Office in Warsaw. JBIC is going to commit to engaging with Central and Eastern Europe, a region of significant geographical importance and high potential in digital and green initiatives.

We will continue our efforts in various fields to deepen cooperation with the 3SI members and its strategic partners.