Japan-Ecuador Relations
Japan-Ecuador Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
August 6, 2026
On August 6, commencing at 8:50 a.m. local time (10:50 p.m. Japan time on the same day) for approximately 1 hour, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Mr. Roberto Kury Pesantes, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of the Republic of Ecuador, during his visit to Ecuador.
- At the outset, Foreign Minister Kury once again expressed his condolences and solidarity regarding the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake. In response, Minister MOTEGI expressed his sincere gratitude. Foreign Minister Kury stated that he wished to further strengthen and deepen the relationship with Japan. In response, Minister MOTEGI stated that he wised to make use of the complementary bilateral relationship and further strengthen the ties between the two countries.
- Foreign Minister Kury once again expressed strong expectations for the early conclusion of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan. In light of this, the two concurred in continuing discussions on ways to further deepen bilateral economic relations across a wide range of fields under the Economic and Trade Committee, having outcomes of the discussion under the Economic and Trade Committee reported to both Foreign Ministers by the end of the year, and exploring the possibility of launching a joint study based on the report.
- The two ministers also concurred in advancing cooperation in the field of economic security, including strengthening the resilience of supply chains for energy, such as crude oil, and mineral resources.
- In addition, Minister MOTEGI stated that Japan would spare no effort in cooperating toward peace and stability in the Latin American and Caribbean region, including on security measures, which Ecuador places importance on. In response, Foreign Minister Kury expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the Government of Japan to date. The two ministers also concurred in strengthening cooperation in such fields.
- Furthermore, Minister MOTEGI once again explained the Updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” and Foreign Minister Kury expressed his support for FOIP. The two ministers exchanged views on the regional situations, including those in the Indo-Pacific, and concurred to continue strengthening cooperation in the international arena.