Japan-Latvia Relations
Japan-Latvia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
February 19, 2022
On February 19, commencing at 10:30 a.m. for approximately 25 minutes (local time; 6:30 p.m. on February 19, Japan time), Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, during his visit to Germany to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- The two ministers affirmed their consistent support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity while monitoring the situation around Ukraine with grave concern, and they confirmed that they would not accept any unilateral change in the status quo by force, and continue diplomatic efforts for de-escalation and continually work closely together.
- The two ministers exchanged views on the contribution of Japanese companies to region-wide infrastructure projects in the Baltic States, including Latvia, and shared the view to further promote bilateral cooperation.
- Minister Rinkēvičs expressed his hope for cooperation with Japan on the "Three Seas Initiative," which Latvia chairs in 2022, and explained that Latvia has decided to participate in the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.