Press Releases
Meeting between State Foreign Minister MIYAJI and Ms. Keye Bass, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saint Christopher and Nevis
December 13, 2024
On December 13, commencing at 3:15 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. MIYAJI Takuma, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Ms. Keye Bass, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saint Christopher and Nevis, who was visiting Japan to attend the Eighth Japan-CARICOM Ministerial-Level Conference. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, State Minister Miyaji welcomed Permanent Secretary Bass's visit to Japan on the occasion of the Eighth Japan-CARICOM Ministerial-Level Conference scheduled on December 14th. State Minister Miyaji stated that he is pleased the deepening of relations between the two countries such as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations.
- State Minister Miyaji noted that Japan has built on cooperation in the past 10 years towards overcoming the vulnerabilities particular to small island states and sustainable development, in line with the three pillars of Japan’s CARICOM policy. State Minister Miyaji stated that Japan contributed approximately 2.1 million dollars through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to support the development of disaster prevention systems.
- Furthermore, State Minister Miyaji stated that he plans to invite trainees to Japan to provide them with water purification and water supply technology training to improve water resources management. In response, Permanent Secretary Bass expressed her appreciation for Japan’s assistance.
- The two ministers affirmed to strengthen bilateral relations between Japan and CARICOM and between Japan and Saint Christopher and Nevis, and exchanged views on international issues. They concurred to continue to cooperate in the international arena based on the Global Partnership.
(Reference)Basic data on Saint Christopher and Nevis
Saint Christopher and Nevis cover an area of 260 square kilometers (about the same size as Iriomote Island). Population: 50,000 (2021, World Bank). Gross National Income (GNI) per capita: 19,000 US dollars (2021, World Bank).