Japan-Mexico Relations
Japan-Mexico Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
January 5, 2023
On January 5, commencing from noon (local time; on January 6, 3:00 a.m. JST) for approximately one hour, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the United Mexican States, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Marcelo Luis EBRARD CASAUBÓN, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States. Following the meeting, the two ministers held a joint press conference. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset of the meeting, Minister Hayashi expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral relations through people-to-people and academic exchanges, and cooperation in science and technology, as well as to enhance cooperation with the Pacific Alliance and collaboration in the international arena, commemorating the 135th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year together with Mexico. In response, Secretary Ebrard also expressed his hope to work bilaterally to further advance such exchanges, taking advantage of the opportunity to revitalize the exchanges between the two countries.
- Minister Hayashi stated that due to recent shifts in the international arena, Mexico is once again attracting attention as an investment destination from the perspective of rebuilding and enhancing the resilience of the supply chains. He also touched upon the possibility of future cooperation, including in the DX and GX sectors. Secretary Ebrard emphasized various possibilities that Mexico offers, and expressed his interest in further investment from Japan.
- In addition, Minister Hayashi, while noting the importance of legal stability and predictability for Japanese investment from a medium-to long-term perspective, expressed his expectations for ensuring legal stability, particularly in the energy sector. In response, Minister Ebrard stated that Mexico would continue to address the issue, taking into account the interest of Japan, its important partner.
- Minister Hayashi stated that he would like to work closely with Mexico, a "Strategic Global Partner", toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”, touching upon the importance of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law. The two ministers also exchanged views on the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) and concurred to closely work together to maintain the high standards of the agreement.
- The two ministers exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine, the situation in East Asia, including the response to North Korea in the face of its nuclear and missile activities and the abduction issue, the situation in Latin America and international issues , and confirmed that they would continue to work together.
- At the joint press conference held after the foreign ministers' meeting, Minister Hayashi stated, in response to the Secretary Ebrard’s statement, that it had been an opportune visit, during which the two countries could confirm their cooperation in a wide range of fields, and expressed his expectations that the bilateral relationship would be further strengthened.