Latin America and the Caribbean
3rd Japan-CELAC Extended Troika Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
September 22, 2025
On September 22, commencing at 6:15 p.m. local time (7:15 a.m. on September 23, JST), for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a meeting with the extended Troika of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) – comprising the foreign ministers of Colombia (current chair), Honduras (former chair), Uruguay (incoming chair), and Jamaica (Caribbean Community (CARICOM) chair)). The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that the friendship between Japan and Latin American and Caribbean countries are constructed and strengthened based on the relationship of trust, which cultivated through sharing common values and principles as well as dialogue and cooperation. He also stated that Japan wishes to strengthen the bond as economic partners growing together with Latin American and Caribbean countries, which are becoming increasingly attractive as a market and global manufacturing hub.
- During the meeting, Minister Iwaya emphasized the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law. He stated that Japan, based on its “Diplomatic Initiative toward Latin America and the Caribbean” announced in February last year, wishes to foster a shared understanding on addressing international situations and challenges through dialogue and cooperation with CELAC.
In response, CELAC representatives stated that Japan is a traditional partner, expressed gratitude for Japan's long-standing cooperation, and emphasized their desire to further cooperate with Japan across a wide range of fields, including climate change, health, energy, and sustainable development. - Furthermore, the attending foreign ministers exchanged views on regional situations in both regions and on cooperation in international forums, including Security Council reform. In particular, attendees shared serious concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile development and Minister Iwaya asked for continued understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.
(Reference) Participants in the 3rd Japan-CELAC Extended Troika Foreign Ministers' Meeting (CELAC side)
- H.E. Ms. Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
- H.E. Mr. Javier Efrain Bu Soto, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Honduras
- Mr. Martin Vidal, Director General for Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Relations of Uruguay
- Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica