Latin America and the Caribbean

Upon the conclusion of the visit to Latin America and the Caribbean by Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, the overall outcomes of the visit are as follows.

1. Overview
   

   Through exchanges of views with dignitaries of each country, it was confirmed that, on the foundation of the historical relationship of trust and shared fundamental values, such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, both sides would build and strengthen strategic partnerships, with a particular focus on the economic and economic security fields. In particular, the following were important common outcomes across the countries visited.

2. Confirmation of strategic coordination
   

   With the increasingly severe situations in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific in mind, the visit confirmed coordination toward upholding and strengthening international order based on the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). In particular regarding the Indo-Pacific, an area of significant interest to Japan, Minister MOTEGI directly conveyed Japan’s position and assessment on the severe situation to dignitaries of each country along with exchanging views on the situation in Latin America and the Caribbean. Both sides shared the recognition that, amid the severe international environment, it is extremely important to strengthen cooperation between Japan and the Latin American and Caribbean countries, which are like-minded partners sharing values and principles. It was felt that expectations for Japan and for the expansion of trade and investment with Japan are extremely high despite geographical distance.

3. Cooperation in the area of economic security
   

   Views were exchanged on concrete cooperation to strengthen supply chain resilience, including in crude oil and critical minerals. Both sides concurred on pursuing further cooperation and efforts, leveraging high-level exchanges during this visit and building on the close economic relationships established to date.

4. Strengthening economic relations
   

   Concrete discussions were held with countries that have great potential, including in energy and mineral resources, on ways to deepen economic relations, such as further promoting trade and investment and improving the business environment for Japanese companies operating locally. Including the utilization of Japanese companies’ technologies and expertise in addressing regional challenges such as disaster risk reduction and environmental issues, an important foundation for further supporting the activities of Japanese companies and strengthening Japan’s economic presence was laid.

The notable outcomes for each country are as follows.

Both sides concurred on aiming to hold “Japan-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue” within this fiscal year to strengthen strategic dialogue across a wide range of areas, including economic security such as supply chain resilience. Minister MOTEGI also referred to the import of one million barrels of crude oil from Mexico confirmed during the Japan-Mexico Summit Telephone Call in April and to Japan’s support for energy efficiency, and both sides concurred on continuing and strengthening two-way cooperation in the energy field.

Regarding catch quotas for Pacific bluefin tuna, Minister MOTEGI confirmed with H.E. Mr. Roberto Velasco Álvarez, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States, that they would cooperate toward an early final agreement.

The views were exchanged on the situation surrounding the Panama Canal, and the importance of maintaining the maritime order, including the safety and freedom of navigation, and of respecting sovereignty underpinned by “autonomy” and “resilience,” which are emphasized under the updated FOIP, was confirmed.

H.E. Mr. Javier Eduardo MARTÍNEZ-ACHA VÁSQUEZ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama expressed his support for the updated FOIP, and under this banner, the two ministers concurred on promoting concrete cooperation, together with the public and private sectors, by leveraging Japanese companies’ technologies and expertise, to strengthen the functions of critical infrastructure including the Panama Canal and to address urgent challenges in various fields such as waste management.

In light of Ecuador’s renewed strong expectation for the early conclusion of an EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement), it was confirmed that Japan and Ecuador would consider launching a joint study, based on the report to be submitted to the two foreign ministers by the end of this year from the Economic and Trade Committee launched in June this year, which would discuss the ways to deepen bilateral economic relations across a wide range of areas including trade and investment.

Both sides also concurred on further advancing cooperation in the field of economic security, including strengthening supply chain resilience in energy and mineral resources, such as the supply of crude oil to Japan.

Minister MOTEGI explained the concept and initiatives of the updated FOIP, and under this banner, the two sides confirmed that they would advance concrete cooperation in addressing challenges including disaster risk reduction, the environment, and water infrastructure development, as well as in the energy field such as natural gas produced in Trinidad and Tobago.

The two sides also concurred on further strengthening cooperation in international fora, including Security Council reform, with Trinidad and Tobago, which will serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from 2027.

Amid today’s increasingly severe and complex international situation, the importance of Latin America and the Caribbean—a key part of the Global South that shares values and principles with Japan—is growing further. Building on the unwavering relationship of trust with the region, Japan will steadily give concrete shape to the initiatives confirmed during this visit and further develop strategic partnerships.