Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi's visit to Britain was the first overseas visit by a Cabinet member since COVID-19 became a global pandemic.
He is to be exempt from the 14-day self-quarantine period upon returning from overseas, on the condition that he has contact with the minimum number of people and also tests negative after returning to Japan. The government hopes to make this occasion a precedent for the resumption of face-to-face diplomacy.
Motegi used a chartered plane to fly between the two countries and was accompanied by less than 10 people, including the ministry's director general, his secretary and security guards. Once on the ground, they traveled by car prepared in advance by the Japanese Embassy and refrained from going outside with the exception of meetings. Barring the food served at the foreign minister's meeting, only room service meals were eaten.
Section chiefs and other officials of four related ministries and agencies, including the Foreign Ministry and the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, flew via regular passenger plane, separately from Motegi's group. They spoke with the foreign minister over the phone and avoided contact with him as much as possible. As with ordinary travelers, they are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon returning to Japan.
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