Press Releases
Japan-Ecuador Foreign Ministers’ Video Conference
June 23, 2022
On June 23, commencing at 9:10 a.m., Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a video conference with H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Holguín Maldonado, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of the Republic of Ecuador, for approximately 25 minutes. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Minister Hayashi stated that Japan and Ecuador, as countries facing the Pacific Ocean, are partners that share longstanding friendly relations and fundamental values, and expressed his intention to further expand cooperation towards realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” In response, Minister Holguín stated that Ecuador places priority on its relations with Japan and expressed his intention to further develop bilateral relations.
- Both ministers shared the view to further promote friendly bilateral cooperation, including strengthening economic relations. In response, Minister Holguín expressed gratitude for Japan’s assistance for COVID-19 countermeasures. Furthermore, Minister Holguín stated that Japan’s various forms of cooperation to date have greatly contributed to Ecuador’s development and expressed his heartfelt appreciation.
- The two ministers condemned Russia’s recent aggression against Ukraine, and shared the recognition that such a unilateral change of the status quo by force is a serious situation that undermines the foundation of the international order and that there is a need to work closely together to address the situation.
- In addition, Minister Hayashi expressed his intention to coordinate closely, inside and outside the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with Ecuador which, together with Japan, will serve as a non-permanent member of the UNSC next year, towards reforming and strengthening the functions of the United Nations as a whole, including the UNSC. The two ministers confirmed their continued cooperation.
- The two ministers also exchanged views on regional affairs, in East Asia including the abductions issue and other issues related to North Korea, and confirmed their continued collaboration.