Japan-Paraguay Relations
Japan-Paraguay Summit Meeting
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On May 21, commencing at 6:50 p.m. for approximately 60 minutes, Mr.ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Santiago PEÑA PALACIOS, President of the Republic of Paraguay, who was visiting Japan on the occasion of the Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
Following the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing ceremony for the “Memorandum of Cooperation about Political Consultation Mechanism” and the exchange ceremony for the Notes Verbale regarding the waiver of visa requirements for short-term stay in Japan for ordinary passport holders of Paraguay were conducted, and held a joint press occasion. In the joint press occasion, it was announced that the two leaders concurred on upgrading the bilateral relationship to “strategic partners” and that negotiations on the Japan-Paraguay Investment Agreement had reached an agreement in principle. After that, commencing at 8:20 p.m. for approximately 80 minutes, a working dinner was held.
1. Introduction
- Prime Minister Ishiba welcomed President Peña on his first visit to Japan and expressed that he was pleased that the Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan would provide an opportunity to showcase Paraguay's fascinating culture. He also expressed his desire to further strengthen relations with Paraguay, an important partner that shares values and principles, and has a special bond through Japanese descendants (Nikkei).
- In response, President Peña, appreciating for the warm welcome he received during his visit to Japan, expressed his congratulations on the celebration of the Expo and his desire to further deepen bilateral relations between the two leaders.
2. Bilateral Relations
- Prime Minister Ishiba stated that at the time when the international community is at a historical turning point and cooperation among like-minded countries is more important than ever, he would like to further collaborate as a newly upgraded “strategic partner” to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. He also conveyed Japan’s intention of providing a yen loan to support Paraguay's efforts in the area of infrastructure.
- President Peña expressed his gratitude for the development cooperation that Japan has provided over the years in various fields, and his expectations for further expansion of Japanese companies into Paraguay, a country with a competitive labor force, abundant hydroelectric resources, and other favorable investment conditions. Besides, the President expressed his support for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” initiative. In addition, the President explained the Bioceanic Corridor project as a linked one to the FOIP and expressed interest in Japanese companies' involvement in the project.
- The two leaders confirmed to promptly launch the Japan-MERCOSUR Strategic Partnership Framework and to advance discussions toward deepening trade relations under the Framework. They also welcomed the steady accumulation of efforts in the space sector under the “Japan-Paraguay Space Cooperation Program” launched last year.
3. Regional Situation and Cooperation in the international arena
- The two leaders exchanged views on the international situation, concurred that the growing tensions in the regions should be resolved peacefully under the UN Charter and other principles of international law, and confirmed their commitment to further cooperation in the international arena as strategic partners.
- They also exchanged views on the situation in East Asia, suchi as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue. Prime Minister Ishiba asked for the continued understanding and cooporation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and President Peña, who wore a blue-ribbon badge to the meeting, showed his support on Japan’s position.