Latin America and the Caribbean

At the beginning, President Bachelet welcomed the visit of the current Japanese prime minister to Chile. Prime Minister Abe expressed gratitude for the cordial welcome he received from President Bachelet and the people of Chile. Prime Minister Abe also referred to the history, explaining that his grandfather, Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, visited Chile on the same day 55 years ago, in July 1959. Both leaders confirmed that they would further enhance the bilateral relationship.

 

The two leaders welcomed that the two countries are partners that share values such as democracy, the rule of law and fundamental human rights, and that in the traditionally friendly economic area, a desirable economic relationship has been being built since the Japan-Chile EPA entered into force in 2007.

The two leaders confirmed that bilateral economic relations will be further promoted via exchanges of views at EPA committee meetings etc., along with confirming cooperation on concluding the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) promptly.

Prime Minister Abe explained that Japanese companies are interested in investing in Chile’s mining sector and infrastructure, and that he hopes that Chile’s investment environment will continue to improve. President Bachelet stated that she would welcome investment in Chile by Japanese companies more than before.

Prime Minister Abe expressed that the Government of Japan places an emphasis on  stronger ties with the Pacific Alliance, which shares values and continues to grow, and wants to cooperate as a partner of the Pacific Alliance in its development in Asia.

 

The two leaders also confirmed they would cooperate in addressing challenges in the international community.

The two leaders confirmed the importance of continuing to carry out United Nations Security Council reform, and exchanged views on cooperating on the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) in the climate change field and in the field of disarmament and nonproliferation.

 

Prime Minister Abe explained Japan’s security policies from the standpoint of a “proactive contribution to peace” based on the principle of international cooperation, and the recent Cabinet decision on policies on the development of seamless security legislation, and President Bachelet indicated that she welcomes those policies.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the East Asia situation, and particularly, about North Korea, they shared the view that they will continue to exchange views in order to resolve the nuclear, missile and abduction issues.

Following the Summit Meeting, at a luncheon (12:50-2:20 p.m.) hosted by President Bachelet, the two leaders exchanged views on advancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation on disaster risk reduction and promoting science, technology and academic exchanges, student and sport exchanges etc.

Prime Minister Abe explained the policies being promoted by the Abe administration in order to utilize the power of women for economic growth, and President Bachelet indicated that she welcomes those policies.

Following the meeting, a joint statement (PDF) on Prime Minister Abe's visit to Chile was issued.