Press Releases
Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tsuji Visits Cuba (Results)
On May 15 (hereinafter all times are local time), Mr. Kiyoto Tsuji, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs , who is visiting Cuba on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Cuba, held meetings with Cuban government officials for exchanging views about all aspects of bilateral relations, regional situations, various issues in the international community, etc., and also held meetings with representatives of Japanese communities and, Japanese companies in Cuba, etc. The overview is as follows.
1. Meetings with high-level officials of Cuban government
(1) Meeting with Mr. Rodríguez, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Commencing at 11:05 a.m. for approximately 55 minutes, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tsuji held a meeting with H. E. Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the meeting, Foreign Minister Rodríguez expressed his congratulations on the start of the Reiwa era, welcomed the visit of Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tsuji at this special time, namely the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and stated that he gave priority to and placed importance on relations with Japan. In response, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tsuji explained the position of Japan regarding Japan-Cuba relations and regional situations, including the situation in Venezuela. They held candid exchanges of views.
(2) Meeting with Ms. Rodríguez, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a luncheon hosted by the Deputy Minister
Commencing at 10:05 a.m. for approximately 55 minutes, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tsuji held a meeting with H. E. Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tsuji called for cooperation toward the solution of various issues of the international community, explained the position of Japan regarding regional situations such as the situation in Venezuela and the North Korea issue, etc., and called for understanding and cooperation of the Cuban side. The Deputy Minister Rodríguez welcomed the visit of Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tsuji to Cuba, and stated that peaceful solutions through dialogue were required for the various issues of the international community.
Furthermore, in the luncheon hosted by Deputy Minister Rodríguez that was held after the meeting, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tsuji held consultations regarding issues between Japan and Cuba and possibility for cooperation.
(3) Meeting with Mr. Carricarte, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment
Commencing at 2:05 p.m. for approximately 50 minutes, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tsuji held a meeting with H. E. Antonio Luis Carricarte Corona, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, and had a candid exchange of views on various issues in economic relations between the two countries. The First Deputy Minister Carricarte welcomed the visit of Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tsuji and expressed his expectation of investment in Cuba by Japanese companies. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tsuji called for an early resolution of the problem of delay in the repayment of debt by the Cuban side and expressed his expectation of further progress in social reforms by the Cuban government.
2. Other events
Parliamentary Vice-Minister Tsuji paid his respects at the Memorial Monument for Japanese Descents in Havana City, and held exchanges of views with representatives of Japanese descendants regarding the current situation of their community in Cuba and the challenges that needed to be overcome to revitalize it. Furthermore, he also held exchanges of views with representatives of Japanese companies and JICA office in Cuba.
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