Japan-Jamaica Relations

1. At the outset, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the visit to Japan by Prime Minister Holness in this year, which marks the 55th anniversary of Japan-Jamaica diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Abe stated that Jamaica is Japan’s important partner sharing universal values, such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In response, Prime Minister Holness expressed gratitude for Japan’s hospitality extended during his visit, offered his sympathy to those affected by the recent natural disasters in Japan including typhoons, and expressed his intention to seize this opportunity of his visit to Japan to further strengthen the traditional friendly relations between the two countries. In addition, Prime Minister Holness expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by Japan.

2. The two leaders shared the view that the signing of the Japan-Jamaica tax convention marks a significant step forward for their economic relations and is expected to further promote trade and investment between the two countries.

3. Prime Minister Abe mentioned Japan’s ongoing cooperation for introducing energy-saving technologies and equipment in Jamaica, including LED and solar panels, in order to overcome vulnerabilities particular to small island states, noting Japan’s intention to continue extending cooperation in the areas of disaster risk reduction and environment. Prime Minister Holness expressed concerns regarding climate change, expressed his support for Japan’s initiatives in the areas of climate change, environment, and disaster risk reduction, and appreciated Japan’s assistance for small island states, including Jamaica.

4. Prime Minister Abe expressed his respect for Jamaica’s contribution to the stability and establishment of maritime order as host country of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), noting that a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law is the cornerstone of stability and prosperity of the entire international community including the Caribbean region. Prime Minister Abe conveyed that, based on the same line of reasoning, Japan is working to realize its vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).”

5. Prime Minister Abe expressed his expectation that the implementation of the grant aid signed on the same day will strengthen the coast guard capabilities of Jamaica. Prime Minister Holness expressed his gratitude for the grant aid, stating that it will lead to improving the coast guard and disaster management capabilities of Jamaica.

6. The two leaders discussed the regional situation. They shared the view on cooperating closely toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea, including full implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Prime Minister Abe sought Prime Minister Holness’s understanding and cooperation for the early resolution of the abductions issue, a top priority of the administration, and obtained the Prime Minister’s support. Furthermore, the two leaders shared the view on deepening their cooperative relations in the international arena, including UN Security Council reform.

7. The two leaders welcomed interactions between the people of the two countries, including people-to-people and sports exchanges. The leaders also discussed Japan-CARICOM cooperation, among other matters.