Japan-Cuba Relations
Japan-Cuba Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Conference
July 19, 2021
On July 19, commencing at 10:30 a.m. (local time; July 20, 0:30 a.m. JST) for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Panama, held a telephone conference with H.E. Mr. Bruno Eduardo RODRÍGUEZ Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the beginning, Minister Motegi explained that he had cancelled his visit to Cuba due to the situation concerning COVID-19 in Cuba, and expressed his hope that the pandemic situation would improve quickly. Minister Rodríguez stated that he would like Minister Motegi to visit Cuba in the future when the situation gets better. Minister Rodríguez also expressed his hope for the successful hosting of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, in time of difficulties caused by the pandemic.
- The two ministers also exchanged views on measures against COVID-19, bilateral relationships on political and economic issues, as well as international affairs. Minister Motegi pointed out that Cuba is originally a potential market, and in order to bring out that potential, it is important to have a free, open, rules-based system and a business environment that allows for sustainable development. He also stated that Japan was also paying close attention to the recent situation in Cuba and hoped that the Cuban government would work to improve the situation while listening to the voices of the many people.