Japan-Mexico Relations
Japan-Mexico Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
September 21, 2023
On September 21, commencing from 8:30 a.m. (local time: September 21, 9:30p.m. JST) for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a meeting with H.E. Ms. Alicia BÁRCENA IBARRA, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan would like to further deepen not only bilateral relations which have been promoted by dialogues at the foreign ministerial level this year, but also its collaboration in addressing global challenges with Mexico who is a strategic global partner. In response, Secretary Bárcena congratulated Minister Kamikawa on her assumption of office as Minister for Foreign Affairs and stated that she would like to further strengthen friendly relations with Japan and cooperate in global issues between the female foreign ministers.
- Minister Kamikawa reaffirmed the shared recognition between the two countries on the challenges to the free and open international order based on the rule of law, such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, and stated that a concerted response is critical. In response, Secretary Bárcena stated Mexico's position on Russian aggression against Ukraine, including its opposition. Secretary Bárcena expressed support for Japan's position regarding North Korea. Both ministers concurred in the importance of advancing in the Reform of the United Nations.
- Both Ministers affirmed the importance of maintaining the high standards the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) and concurred to continue working closely together. Minister Kamikawa also explained the ALPS treated water discharge into the sea. In response, Secretary Bárcena stated that she believes that Japan will address this issue with transparency and that the IAEA will also fulfill its mission.
- Minister Kamikawa also mentioned the contribution of Japanese companies to Mexico, pointed out the importance of legal stability and predictability for investment from a medium to long-term perspective, and requested continued support. In response, Secretary Bárcena stated that Japan can trust the continuity of legal stability in Mexico and expressed that Mexico attaches importance to development cooperation in Central America, and would like to promote further cooperation with Japan which is an important cooperation partner.