Interviews & Articles
Foreign Minister MOTEGI's article contributed to Agencia EFE (July 31, 2026)
“Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean: Stronger and More Prosperous Together”
Today, we live in an era of uncertainty and transformation. The international order, which should have been based on values and principles such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law is showing signs of instability, and as demonstrated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the situation in Iran—including developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz—a crisis in one region has a significant impact on global security and the international economy.
There are also frequent instances where non-market policies and practices, as well as economic coercion by certain countries, undermine the sustainable economic growth and autonomous policy-making by nations, consequently eroding a fair, and competitive environment in the international community. Furthermore, while rapid technological innovation—including artificial intelligence (AI)—brings new opportunities, it also fuels the expansion of cognitive warfare and serves as a factor that undermines the foundations of democracy. Additionally, climate change is intensifying and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events—such as torrential rains, droughts, and hurricanes—around the world, threatening people’s lives and livelihoods.
Japan has long upheld the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”, a framework, based on the principles of freedom, openness, diversity, inclusiveness, and the rule of law, as the vision for its foreign policy. In May this year, Japan announced an evolved version of the FOIP as a new proposal to navigate this era of uncertainty and transformation together with other like-minded nations. The principles upon which Japan stands remain unchanged.
Since gaining independence in the 19th and 20th centuries, the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have pursued autonomy and development, promoted democracy and free trade and, while cherishing the remarkable diversity fostered by the region’s history, culture, and natural environment, have consistently strived to realize more inclusive societies. Furthermore, even amid the current international situation, they continue to play a significant role as defenders of international order and the rule of law. This direction taken by many Latin American and Caribbean countries is fully aligned with the principles that Japanese diplomacy prioritizes, and we share common ground with them.
Now, as these principles face unprecedented challenges, it is more important than ever for Japan and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean—which share values and principles and have fostered strong friendships—to work closely together to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
In this regard, Japan is determined to stand with Latin America and the Caribbean to safeguard this international order. Hence, building on the predictability and stability that this order provides, we will aim to grow stronger and more prosperous together, guided by the following three pillars.
Updating Japan’s Position as a Traditional and Trustworthy Partner
First, Japan will further develop and strengthen its traditional relationship of trust with Latin American and Caribbean countries. Japan and the countries of the region have built an unshakable relationship of trust over many years, transcending geographical distances. It is no exaggeration to say that Japan has the longest-standing diplomatic relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries among Asian nations. This relationship has been cultivated through mutual respect and a history of dialogue.
The most important cornerstone of this relationship is the presence of the Nikkei (Japanese immigrants and their descendants). Nikkei people active throughout Latin America and the Caribbean serve as an irreplaceable bridge connecting Japan and the region. As members of their local communities, they have also made significant contributions to the development of their respective countries across a wide range of fields. Going forward, Japan will further support the younger generation in preserving their identity as Nikkei people, expand exchanges with new friends of Japan and those interested in Japan, and develop people-to-people ties that transcend generations.
Another of Japan’s strengths lies in its development cooperation that closely aligns with the specific circumstances and needs of each country. For countries addressing irregular migration, returning migrants, and the reduction of inequality, Japan supports the creation of opportunities through industrial promotion and human resource development. For small island developing states facing unique development challenges, such as the impacts of climate change, Japan provides solutions using cutting-edge technology, drawing on the expertise of Japanese companies. For countries grappling with rapid urbanization and an aging population, Japan shares insights based on its own experience as a pioneer country in these issues. In countries struggling with drug trafficking and deteriorating public safety, Japan is working together with international organizations to strengthen countermeasures.
Japan has consistently addressed diverse regional challenges with sincerity and provided flexible, earnest support. Moving forward, Japan will continue to leverage the development cooperation expertise and public-private partnership frameworks cultivated through many years of experience and, as a trusted partner, will contribute to tackling the challenges faced by Latin American and Caribbean countries and promoting their sustainable development. Japan will also advance mutually beneficial cooperation that contributes to the prosperity of both Japan and the region.
Concrete and Prompt Actions to Strengthen Economic Ties
Second, Japan will take concrete and swift actions, particularly in the economic sector, to grow stronger and more prosperous together with Latin America and the Caribbean. To achieve stability and prosperity in an era of uncertainty and transformation, autonomy and resilience—the ability to determine one’s own destiny—are indispensable. In the updated FOIP, these are positioned as key policies. At the same time, it is important to avoid excessive dependence on any single partner and to broaden options through multifaceted cooperation with diverse partners.
Cooperation between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean holds great promise and potential. Latin America and the Caribbean is a region rich in resources, including critical minerals and energy that underpin the sustainable growth of the global economy. Japan has a proven track record of contributing to the establishment of supply chains characterized by transparency, resilience, and reliability, in collaboration with Latin American and Caribbean countries. Building on our existing cooperative relationship, Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean can expand the frontiers of cooperation into the field of economic security and further develop our economic partnership to mutually support sustainable growth.
In promoting economic partnership, the importance of expanding economic partnership agreements (EPAs) is self-evident. In addition to maintaining and strengthening existing frameworks, we aim to realize new economic partnerships, including the strategic expansion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and an EPA with the Southern Common Market (Mercosur). EPAs go beyond simply strengthening trade relations; they also function as mechanisms to ensure legal stability in each country. Additionally, EPAs will further promote investment by Japanese companies in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as stimulate job creation, human resource development, and technology transfer.
We will also advance cooperation in the field of infrastructure development to improve regional connectivity. Last July, Japan launched the “Public-Private Platform of Latin American and the Caribbean Infrastructure Development Alliance (PLACIDA).” By leveraging the expertise of Japanese companies, we will contribute to the development of high-quality infrastructure.
Furthermore, there is significant scope for cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as digital, cyber and AI technologies, the space sector, and clean energy. These are not only growing industries but also form the foundation for solving social challenges, advancing industrial sophistication, and supporting future competitiveness. At the same time, if the development of these advanced technologies is mismanaged, it could have serious repercussions for the international community as a whole. We will deepen our collaboration with Latin American and Caribbean countries to ensure that technological development stays on the right track and serves to generate growth for the next generation.
Strengthening Collaboration as a Responsible Member of the International Community
Finally, as a responsible member of the international community, Japan will strengthen its collaboration with Latin American and Caribbean countries to address global challenges and enhance global governance. The areas of cooperation for this purpose are wide-ranging. In response to growing uncertainty in the international community, we will jointly convey constructive messages based on a balanced assessment of international and regional situations, while deepening cooperation as responsible and equal partners in addressing global challenges such as climate change, the oceans, disaster risk reduction, and disarmament and non-proliferation.
Furthermore, maintaining and strengthening multilateralism and global governance centered on the United Nations (UN) is crucial. UN reform, including Security Council reform, to enhance the organization’s authority and effectiveness is an urgent issue that can no longer be postponed. Additionally, in peace mediation efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, we intend to collaborate closely while drawing on the experiences and insights cultivated by the Latin American and Caribbean region.
In conclusion, precisely because we are like-minded partners who share principles such as freedom, openness, diversity, inclusiveness, and the rule of law, we have a role to play together in the international community. As a strategic partner, Japan stands ready to join hands with Latin American and Caribbean countries, walking together to build stability and prosperity in the international community.