Japan-Latvia Relations

1. Prime Minister Abe welcomed Prime Minister Kučinskis’ first visit to Japan, and stated that Latvia, which is located at the centre of the Baltic states and shares with Japan fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, is a very important partner of Japan, as Latvia became a Member State of the European Union (EU), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), amid a severe international environment. He also expressed his wishes to cooperate with Latvia in order to resolve challenges that international community faces including the North Korean issue. In response, Prime Minister Kučinskis mentioned that he was pleased with good relations between Japan and Latvia, and expressed his wishes to deepen the economic relations with Japan on the occasion of this visit together with a business delegation covering broad areas.

2. Prime Minister Abe expressed his expectations that trade and investment between the two countries would be increased with the Japan-EU EPA entering into effect, and he called for Latvia’s cooperation towards its early signature and the entry into force. Prime Minister Kučinskis mentioned that Latvia provides the best connectivity between Europe and Latvia and would like to explore cooperation with Japan in areas including transport and logistics.

3. Regarding the North Korean issue, Prime Minister Abe welcomed Latvia’s efforts in implementing its own autonomous measures. The two leaders shared the view that they need to maximize pressure against North Korea through all possible means in order to make North Korea come to the table of a dialogue for denuclearization. They also confirmed that the two countries would cooperate to resolve the North Korean issue including the full implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions.