Japan-Suriname Relations
Japan-Suriname Foreign Ministers Meeting
September 21, 2022
On September 21, commencing at 3:40 p.m. (local time; 4:40 a.m. on September 22 JST), for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting New York to attend the United Nation General Assembly, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Albert RAMDIN, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi expressed his appreciation for Suriname’s contribution as the current CARICOM chair and his desire to deepen cooperation in the international arena with Suriname and other CARICOM countries who share fundamental values. In response, Minister Ramdin stated that Suriname and CARICOM emphasize on maintaining good relations with Japan and look forward to strengthening cooperation with each other, including in the international arena.
- Minister Hayashi stated that Japan has been providing support for CARICOM to overcome vulnerabilities of small islamd states such as natural disaster and climate change and that Japan intends to continue its support tailored for CARICOM in tackling the regional development issues. In response, Minister Ramdin stated that he appreciates support from Japan, who is an important partner of CARICOM.
- The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues. As for the situation in Ukraine, Minister Hayashi stated that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force and an act that undermines the very foundation of the international order, emphasizing that the international community must unite in a strong response. In this respect, Minister Ramdin condemned the Russia’s aggression and expressed serious concern over the situation in Ukraine. The two ministers concurred to work closely together in responding to regional and international issues, such as strengthening of the function of the United Nations as a whole, including the Security Council reform, as well as North Korea, including on the nuclear, missile and abductions issue.