Japan-Barbados Relations
Courtesy Call on Prime Minister of Barbados by Foreign Minister Hayashi
May 2, 2023
On May 2, commencing at 11:00 a.m. (local time; 0:00 a.m. on May 3 JST) for approximately 70 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan who is visiting Barbados, paid a courtesy call on Hon. Mia Amor MOTTLEY, Prime Minister of Barbados. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that he is pleased to visit Barbados as the first Japanese Foreign Minister. He also expressed that Barbados is an important partner who shares values and principles, and that Japan hopes to further deepen cooperation in the international arena. In response, Prime Minister Mottley welcomed Minister Hayashi’s visit, and expressed her desire to further strengthen the bilateral relationships and work together on a wide range of issues in the international arena. Prime Minister Mottley also expressed her expectation for Japan’ leadership as the chair of G7.
- Minister Hayashi also stated that Japan will continue to provide necessary assistance to CARICOM Member States, including Barbados, in the field of environment, climate change, and disaster risk reduction to overcome vulnerabilities particular to small island states. In response, Prime Minister Mottley expressed her gratitude for Japan’s support in line with Barbados’ development challenges and requested for continued support.
- The two sides discussed climate change and development financing. Prime Minister Mottley praised Japan’s efforts regarding climate change and explained about discussions on global development financing, including “Bridgetown Initiative”, which Barbados announced last year concerning climate change and economic development, stating that she hopes to deepen cooperation with Japan on the issue,. In response, Minister Hayashi praised Barbados’ efforts for leading the discussions.
- The two sides also confirmed their cooperation including culture, education and economy to strengthen bilateral exchanges as well as that of Japan and CARICOM towards the “Japan CARICOM Friendship Year 2024”, taking this visit as an opportunity.