Countries & Regions

1. At the beginning, Prime Minister Abe welcomed President Cartes to Japan, along with expressing his sympathy for the flood damage in Paraguay, and explaining that in order to demonstrate Japan’s solidarity with Paraguay the Government of Japan will undertake the provision of emergency relief goods. In response, President Cartes thanked Prime Minister Abe for the invitation to Japan, and said that in addition to almost 80 years of amicable and cooperative relations through people of Japanese descent (Nikkei) and Japan’s support with the recent flooding, he is deeply grateful for Japan’s support and cooperation in various fields thus far.

2. Prime Minister Abe expressed gratitude for the warm welcome Paraguay extended to Nikkei immigrants. President Cartes responded by mentioning that immigration from Japan dates back to 1936, and he expressed respect for the part that Nikkei people’s contributions and their values of diligence and sincerity played in building the Paraguay of today.

3. Prime Minister Abe mentioned the precise explanation of Paraguay’s policies to attract foreign investment that President Cartes gave in an investment promotion seminar held on the morning of June 25, and said he expects that this visit to Japan by President Cartes will serve as an opportunity for more Japanese companies to enter Paraguay and for economic relations to be advanced further. In response, President Cartes expressed thanks for the significant contributions several Japanese companies are making to the development of Paraguay. He also stated that it will be wonderful if Japanese companies continue to be active in such fields as infrastructure and energy in the coming years in order to utilize the potential that Paraguay possesses.
In relation to this, Prime Minister Abe stated that for many years Japan has contributed to the development of Paraguay’s economy and society as one of the world’s largest donors of ODA to the country, and from here on also, Japan intends to support the key areas of reducing inequality and sustainable economic development, which President Cartes is placing an emphasis on. Additionally, following the Summit Meeting and ahead of a joint press announcement, a signing ceremony was held for an exchange of notes on a plan to improve the water supply system in the city of Coronel Oviedo and a plan to enhance Paraguay’s television program content.

4. Prime Minister Abe explained that Japan will contribute even more proactively to securing the peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the international community from the standpoint of a “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation. In response President Cartes said that the fundamental values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law are shared completely by Japan and Paraguay, and Paraguay will show strong solidarity with Japan.

5. A dinner hosted by Prime Minister Abe after the meeting was attended by House of Representatives member Takeo Kawamura (Chairman of Japan-Paraguay Parliamentary Friendship League) and representatives of private-sector companies with connections to Paraguay. They had discussions on strengthening relations and exchanges between the two countries and other topics in a very relaxed atmosphere.
In particular, President Cartes expressed respect and highly praised the efforts for the economic reform made by the Abe Administration. The two leaders exchanged views on the reforms being advanced in both countries.