Japan-Peru Relations

On August 14, commencing at 10 a.m. (local time; 12 a.m. on August 15, Japan time) for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting the Republic of Peru, held a foreign ministers' meeting with H.E. Mr. Nestor Popolizio, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the beginning, Foreign Minister Kono expressed gratitude for the statement of condolence issued by the Government of Peru in regards to the torrential rain disaster in western Japan. Foreign Minister Kono stated that he is pleased to be holding a foreign ministers' meeting for the third year running, and intends to continue this favorable relationship with Peru's new Vizcarra Administration. In addition, Foreign Minister Kono explained that Peru is an important partner in promoting free trade, and he hopes to continue to coordinate with Peru to bring promptly the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) into effect.  
2. Foreign Minister Kono stated that he hopes to deepen the relationship between Japan and Peru in various fields toward to the Japan-Peru Friendship Year in 2019, which will mark the 120th anniversary of the systematic immigration of Japanese nationals to Peru. Foreign Minister Kono explained that Japan has decided to set up an office of the Japan Foundation in Lima, the Foundation's first office in Spanish-speaking South America, as a base for strengthening exchanges on the cultural and academic fronts. In response, Foreign Minister Popolizio explained that Peru's Nikkei community has contributed to enriching Peruvian society, and that Peru also hopes to make the "Japan-Peru Friendship Year" an opportunity for further strengthening its relationship with Japan. In addition, Foreign Minister Kono expressed expectation that the business and investment environment for Japanese companies will be further improved in order to encourage investment and economic exchanges between the two countries. 
3. Foreign Minister Kono stated that he intends to contribute to the development of Peru's comprehensive disaster prevention and urban transport infrastructure. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Kono noted that next year marks the 10th anniversary of Peru's adoption of the Japanese digital terrestrial television broadcasting system, and explained that Japan has cooperated with the popularization of digital terrestrial television broadcasting and with human resources development in Peru, including by dispatching experts and providing equipment, and expressed his intention to advance bilateral cooperation in the various fields of information and communications technology (ICT) in order to improve Peru's disaster prevention, education and medical care. Foreign Minister Kono also mentioned promoting academic exchanges. 
4. The two ministers confirmed that on the basis of Peru's role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) they will cooperate not only on bilateral relations but in responding to challenges facing the UN as well as global challenges, such as UNSC reform and disarmament. With regard to the North Korea situation, the two sides shared the view that they will work together to realize the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement (CVID) of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges by North Korea, and the full implementation of the UNSC resolutions. In addition, Foreign Minister Kono obtained Foreign Minister Popolizio's support with regard to the prompt resolution of the abductions issue.
   Foreign Minister Kono raised the issue of regional affairs, including Venezuela and Nicaragua, and with regard to the situation in Venezuela, he expressed respect for Peru's leadership, including the Lima Group, and the two sides shared concerns regarding that situation. In addition, with regard to cooperation between Japan and the Pacific Alliance, having Peru as its member, the two ministers also held a meaningful exchange of views regarding various efforts, including strengthening dialogue. 
5. Furthermore, following the foreign ministers' meeting, a Japan-Peru foreign ministers' joint press occasion was held, along with a ceremony to award the Order of the Sun of Peru to Foreign Minister Kono, and a lunch meeting hosted by Foreign Minister Popolizio.