Press Releases
Japan-Costa Rica Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 8, 2022
On November 8, commencing at 4 p.m., Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Arnoldo André, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Republic of Costa Rica, for approximately 30 minutes. The overview of the meeting is as follows. H.E. Dr. Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade of the Republic of Costa Rica, also attended the meeting.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that Costa Rica is an important partner with which Japan shares fundamental values, including freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. He also expressed his great appreciation for Costa Rica’s stance of making active efforts to reinforce democratic systems in Central America.
- Minister André stated that Costa Rica places importance on its friendly and cooperative relations with Japan, which have been built up by bilateral diplomatic relations over the years. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude for Japan’s support to date, particularly the provision of medical equipment as part of measures to combat COVID-19, and his intention to take this visit to Japan as an opportunity to enhance broad relations between Japan and Costa Rica further, including strengthening trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
- Both ministers shared the view to continue to make a coordinated response to the situation in Ukraine, and to work together to tackle the challenges facing the international community, such as climate change. They also exchanged views and confirmed their intention to coordinate on East Asian affairs, particularly the response to North Korea, such as the nuclear and missile issues, including the series of ballistic missile launches, and the abductions issue.
- In addition, with regard to Costa Rica’s request for accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) made in August, Minister Tovar stated that Costa Rica aims to realize an early accession. In response, Minister Hayashi stated that the CPTPP is a high-standard agreement, and that Japan will address the accession requests in consultation with other members of the CPTPP.