Japan-Barbados Relations
Meeting between Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
September 20, 2023
On September 20, commencing at 3:30 p.m. (local time; 4:30 a.m. on September 21 JST), for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting New York to attend the United Nation General Assembly, held a meeting with Hon. Mia Amor MOTTLEY, Prime Minister of Barbados. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated that Barbados is Japan’s important partner who shares fundamental values and principles, and commended Prime Minister Mottley for leading discussions on development finance by launching the “Bridgetown Initiative”. She also expressed that Japan will continue to actively contribute to the discussion as a long-standing partner to tackle with vulnerabilities of small island developing states (SIDS). In response, Prime Minister Mottley congratulated Minister Kamikawa on her assumption of office as Minister for Foreign Affairs and expressed her strong wish to count on Japan’s role on climate change and development finance.
- Minister Kamikawa reiterated appreciation for Prime Minister Mottley's understanding on Japan's efforts regarding the ALPS treated water discharge to the sea and explained Japan's position that it will continue observing international standards. Prime Minister Mottley expressed strong support for Japan’s position.
- Minister Kamikawa stated that a concerted response is critical to the challenges to the free and open international order based on the rule of law, such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. In response, Prime Minister Motley expressed her understanding on Japan’s position and stated her hope that Japan would play a more important role in the international community.