Japan-Paraguay Relations
Japan-Paraguay Summit Meeting
December 2, 2018
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
On Sunday, December 2, commencing at 7:30 p.m. (local time) for approximately 55 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, during his visit to Asunción, the Republic of Paraguay, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Mario Abdo Benítez, President of the Republic of Paraguay. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1 General
- Prime Minister Abe explained that he feels delighted to be the first Prime Minister of Japan to visit Paraguay, a close partner that shares universal values with Japan and a historically friendly nation with a Nikkei community of approximately 10,000 people. Prime Minister Abe also mentioned that next year is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Paraguay, and he hopes to take this opportunity to further develop the cooperative relationship between the two countries.
- In response, President Abdo Ben?tez expressed his sincerely welcome for Prime Minister Abe's first visit to Paraguay, along with the view that this visit turns a page in the long and friendly history between Japan and Paraguay and refreshes that friendship. President Abdo Ben?tez also noted that next year is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Paraguay, and he wishes to use this as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship.
2 Bilateral relations
- Both leaders welcomed the active political exchanges and trade and investment-related activities seen in recent years, and shared the view that they will aim for an early conclusion of the bilateral investment agreement negotiations.
- With regard to the field of development cooperation, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the exchange of notes on grant aid for improving health and medical care services (Economic and Social Development Program), and the signing of a grant agreement on grant aid for the "Project for Procurement of Dredging Equipment for Paraguay River", and he explained that Japan will continue to support disparity reduction and sustainable economic development in the future. President Abdo Ben?tez expressed gratitude for the cooperation extended by Japan thus far.
- Prime Minister Abe expressed the view that members of the Nikkei community in Paraguay contribute to Paraguay's economic development, and are performing an important role as "bridges" in the relationship between the two countries. Prime Minister Abe expressed appreciation for Paraguay's long tradition of warmly welcoming people of Japanese descent. President Abdo Ben?tez expressed gratitude and admiration for the contributions to Paraguay's economy and society that Paraguay's Nikkei community has made.
- In the field of people-to-people exchanges, both leaders welcomed that bilateral exchanges are moving forward in a variety of fields, including the fields of space science and sports, and exchanges between sister cities.
3 Cooperation in the international arena and regional affairs
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
- The two leaders also exchanged views on the North Korea issues, and shared the view that it isnecessary to fully implement the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions in order to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. In addition, Prime Minister Abe requested cooperation towards the early resolution of the abductions issue, and President Abdo Benítez expressed his understanding and support.
- In addition, President Abdo Benítez conveyed his congratulations on Osaka's selection as the venue for World Expo 2025.
- Furthermore, the two leaders exchanged views on regional affairs in Asia and Latin America, and shared the view that they will continue to collaborate closely.