Press Releases
Japan-Colombia Foreign Ministers’ Video Conference
March 2, 2022
On March 2, commencing at 9:20 p.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a video conference with H.E. Mrs. Marta Lucía Ramírez Blanco, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ramírez congratulated Minister Hayashi on his appointment as foreign minister.
- The two sides shared the view that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is unacceptable, noting that it infringes upon Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitutes a serious violation of international law, shakes the foundation of international order, and must be vigorously addressed by the international community.
- The two sides confirmed that Japan and Colombia, both countries facing the Pacific Ocean, will expand their cooperation to realize “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” In addition, they exchanged views on East Asian regional affairs, including the abductions issue and other issues related to North Korea, and confirmed to continue their collaboration.
- Minister Hayashi stated that last month, the Government of Japan signed an agreement regarding an assistance project for Venezuelan refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons through an international organization. Furthermore, Minister Hayashi stated that the Government of Japan decided to extend Emergency Grant Aid through an international organization to Colombia and other countries for promoting vaccination. Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ramírez expressed appreciation for Japan’s cooperation.
- With regard to 5G, Minister Hayashi emphasized the importance of diversifying suppliers and establishing a safe, open and transparent telecommunications infrastructure. The two sides agreed to cooperate in the field of telecommunications infrastructure, including 5G.
- The two sides exchanged views on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) under negotiation between Japan and Colombia and agreed to continue to work together based on the importance of its swift conclusion.