Latin America and the Caribbean

President Peña Nieto once again welcomed the Prime Minister. The President stated that Mexico, as a friend of Japan, would never forget the bond shared between the two countries. Furthermore, the President acknowledged that three generations of Prime Minister Abe’s family had visited Mexico, The President stated that while the Japan-Mexico economic partnership agreement (EPA) had made remarkable achievements, the Prime Minister’s visit also provided an opportunity to review the agreement. The President highlighted that the two countries share a similarity in that both are pushing forward with reforms. The President commented that Japanese corporate investment in Mexico was a testament to Mexico being a reliable partner, and expressed his intention to expand Mexican investment in Japan. 

Prime Minister Abe remarked that the bilateral relationship with a history of over 400 years was constantly evolving, and recalled that since the inauguration of both governments, mutual visits have taken place between the leaders, foreign ministers, and chairs of parliamentary groups. The Prime Minister noted that a visit to Mexico by Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino as well as their attendance of the opening ceremony of the International Cervantes Festival in autumn were being considered. Prime Minister Abe stated that bilateral trade and investment have expanded dramatically over the decade since the signing of the Japan-Mexico EPA and with the expansion of the network of the free trade agreement (FTA) with the major markets of Mexico. Noting that many business leaders were accompanying the Prime Minister on this visit, the Prime Minister looked forward to dialogue on improving the business environment and further progress through the President’s advancement of reforms. In addition, the Prime Minister wished to expand the forum for policy dialogue in order to hold discussions on wide-ranging issues of interest to both countries. 

Prime Minister went on to say that the two governments have in common the reforms being boldly undertaken in their countries, and that they are partners which have common values such as freedom and democracy, and are responsible players in the international community. The Prime Minister expressed hope that his visit would further deepen their cooperative relations.         

(B) Bilateral Economic Relations

1. An overview of the Prime Minister Abe’s statements is as follows. 

Both governments have proactively worked on structural reforms since their inauguration, and this has contributed to the expansion of the frontier for the further strengthening of the bilateral economic relations.

Mexico’s increased production of oil and development of shale gas was critical to the stability of the world’s energy market. It is expected that Mexico would make effective use of Japanese technologies and funding. There is a possibility that Japanese companies would engage in upstream development of oil and gas and that Mexico would supply LNG to Japan, and Japan would cooperate to this end. Japan welcomes the deepening of collaboration between Pemex and the Japanese public and private sectors. 

Japan has interest in Mexico’s nuclear power program. Japan is capable of providing nuclear power technologies with heightened safety learning from the Fukushima nuclear accident. Japan would like to hold talks with Mexico regarding a nuclear power agreement. 

Japan welcomes the signing of a memorandum for cooperation on further infrastructure development in Mexico. Japan would like to support SMEs and supporting industries in Mexico.

Japan hopes to collaborate with Mexico towards the swift conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Japan would like to proceed with the fresh consultations on the bilateral EPA, taking into consideration the status of the TPP negotiations and other factors.

Japan welcomes the holding of the Second Summit of the Rectors of Japan and Mexico in October of this year, as well as the agreement on international student exchanges between The University of Tokyo and Mexico’s National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT). The Prime Minister expressed hopes for the further promotion of exchanges. 

Japan intends to build on its best practices and continue to work with Mexico in implementing triangular cooperation to contribute to the growth and development of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Prime Minister also referred to launching a bilateral dialogue framework in the field of aerospace, and strengthened cooperation in the agricultural and health sectors. 

2. President Peña Nieto responded that he agreed with the Prime Minister on the cooperation projects he referred to. The President welcomed the signing of various agreements and other documents on this day. Furthermore, the President affirmed that he shared Prime Minister Abe’s position on the importance of harnessing structural reforms for growth and the importance of re-examining their EPA. 

President Peña Nieto continued to say that the expansion of Japanese companies into Mexico was a testament to Mexico being a reliable investment destination and that he was very pleased. The President added that Mexico’s issuance of samurai bonds also demonstrated trust in Mexico.  

 

i. Japan’s Policy for Latin America and the Caribbean 

Prime Minister Abe explained that Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean share a unique bond based on their history of friendship and cooperation. Japan wished to strengthen its partnerships with Latin America and the Caribbean which have the will to make significant contributions to the stability and prosperity of the world. The Prime Minister expressed his intention to promote exchanges which serve to develop together, contribute to the international community together, and jointly enlighten each other together.  

   

With regard to the Pacific Alliance, Prime Minister Abe noted that while Japan had already proposed concrete cooperation, including in the areas of infrastructure development, SMEs, and disaster management, Japan hoped to hold senior working-level consultations while Mexico is the Chair of the Pacific Alliance. President Peña Nieto commended Japan’s efforts as an observer country, and expected that Japan would make many contributions to the Pacific Alliance as a platform for strengthening the relations between Latin America and the Caribbean and the Asia-Pacific region.   

 

Prime Minister Abe explained Japan’s initiatives under its policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace,” as well as the recent Cabinet Decision concerning matters such as PKO and the right of collective self-defense. The Prime Minister expressed Japan’s intent to strengthen collaboration between Mexico and the Asia-Pacific countries and further contribute to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the international community. President Peña Nieto praised Japan’s efforts to contribute to the peace and stability of the international community in compliance with international law.  

 

The two leaders exchanged views on the situation in Asia, and also held broad discussions on cooperation in the international fora, including in the areas of the environment and climate change, United Nations reform, disarmament and non-proliferation, and disaster management.