Japan-Paraguay Relations
Japan-Paraguay Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Decoration Ceremony for Minister of Foreign Affairs Hayashi
May 5, 2023
On May 5, commencing at 1:25 p.m. (local time; 2:25 a.m. on May 6 JST) for approximately 100 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting Asuncion, Paraguay, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Julio César ARRIORA RAMIREZ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Paraguay. The overview is as follows. On this occasion, the Government of the Republic of Paraguay presented Minister Hayashi with the National Order of Merit “Extraordinary Grand Cross”.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi expressed his pleasure to visit Paraguay and meet face- to-face with Minister Arriola. Minister Hayashi stated that Paraguay is a long-time friend with the Nikkei community of 10,000 people and an important partner that shares values and principles. He also expressed his desire to strengthen the bilateral relations further. In response, Minister Arriola welcomed Mr. Hayashi's visit to Paraguay and appreciated cooperation extended by Japan in a wide range of fields.
- The two ministers reaffirmed their intention to cooperate closely in various fields and to accelerate discussions on an investment agreement in order to reinforce the bilateral relations further. In this context, Minister Hayashi expressed his desire to continue to enhance economic relations with Paraguay, which has a favorable investment environment. They also confirmed that they would work closely together to ensure the smooth implementation of Japan's cooperation projects contributing to the development of economic and social infrastructure and to overcoming vulnerabilities in Paraguay.
- The two ministers also exchanged views on international affairs including the Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation in East Asia such as China and North Korea, and shared the view that they would work together to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. In this context, Minister Arriola expressed his support for Japan's efforts towards "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)".
- Minister Arriola presented Minister Hayashi with the National Order of Merit “Extraordinary Grand Cross” in recognition of his past contributions to the promotion of friendly relations between the two countries. Minister Hayashi expressed his determination to continue his efforts to strengthen the bilateral relations further.