Japan-Peru Relations

(1) Prime Minister Abe mentioned that Japan enjoys a friendly relationship with Peru for more than 140 years, the longest relationship among those with other Latin American countries, and that Peru was the first country in South America where Japanese migration was established more than 115 years ago. Prime Minister Abe mentioned that his grandfather, Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, visited Peru in 1959, and stated that it's regretful that he wasn't able to visit Peru during his recent visit to Latin America and the Caribbean, but also mentioned that he would like to directly convey that Japan attaches importance to Peru. Prime Minister Abe also noted that, recalling that Peru will host important, large-scale international conferences, including COP 20, and he would like to tackle global issues together.

 

(2) President Humala mentioned that he personally is a graduate of a Japanese descents school in Peru, and would like to further develop friendly and cooperative relationship with Japan in the areas of international relations as well as bilateral relations. President Humala also invited Prime Minister Abe to visit Peru, and asked him to pass on his best regards to their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

(1) Prime Minister Abe said that economic relations have been favorable since the bilateral EPA came into force in 2012. He said that TPP contributes greatly to bring out the potential of the two countries’ economic relationship, and that he would like to cooperate for early conclusion of TPP. Prime Minister Abe also explained that Japanese companies show continuous interest in investment in Peru, and he expected that Peru improves further its business environment. In addition, he stated that as Asia’s largest investor in Latin America, Japan also considers it important to strengthen its relationship with the Pacific Alliance, with which it shares common ideals and which continues to grow, and would like to deepen its ties with the Alliance. 

 

(2) In response, President Humala expressed his gratitude for the economic cooperation carried out by Japan so far. (He said “domo arigato,” or “thank you” in Japanese). President Humala said he hopes the bilateral trade relationship will expand, and that the bilateral cooperation will increase in fields such as health and medical care, social security and education. He also introduced improvements in Peru’s business environment and said that he expected investment from Japanese companies in large infrastructure projects and so on. President Humala also impressed that he is looking forward to being able to cooperate on TPP.

(1) Prime Minister Abe stated that he would like to work together on United Nations reform in order to make the UN, which celebrates its 70th anniversary next year, appropriate for the 21st century. He mentioned that COP 20 is an important opportunity for constructing a new climate change framework and he would like to cooperate with Chair country Peru to make it a success. In addition, Prime Minister Abe stated that the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction is going to be held in Sendai next March and he would like to obtain President Humala’s participation and make the Conference a success. 

 

(2) In response, President Humala said he would like to advance cooperation in the various fields mentioned by Prime Minister Abe. He mentioned that the role of Japan at COP 20 is important, and that he also would like to deepen the cooperative relationship between the two countries via APEC, the Pacific Alliance and other organizations.