Press Releases

Japan-Barbados Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

December 14, 2024
Foreign Minister Iwaya shaking hands with Foreign Minister Symmonds
The two ministers holding a meeting

On December 14, commencing at 4:30 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Hon. Kerrie Drurard Symmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Senior Minister coordinating the Productive Sector of Barbados, who is visiting Japan to attend the Eighth Japan-CARICOM Ministerial-Level Conference. The overview is as follows.

  1. At the outset, Minister Iwaya welcomed the visit to Japan by Minister Symmonds on the occasion of the Eighth Japan-CARICOM Ministerial-Level Conference held on the same day.
  2. Minister Iwaya praised the “Bridgetown Initiative” of Barbados in the area of climate change and stated his hope to work together with Barbados in such fields. In addition, he expressed his intention to reflect the voices of the CARICOM countries, including Barbados, in the international forum such as G7 and G20.
  3. Furthermore, Minister Iwaya noted on Japan’s provision of support over the past decade towards overcoming the vulnerabilities particular to small island states and sustainable development, in line with the three pillars of Japan’s CARICOM policy. In response, Minister Symmonds expressed his appreciation for Japan’s assistance and his expectation of further cooperation. He stated his hope to strengthen relations with the Pacific region, including Japan.
  4. The two ministers confirmed the further strengthening of Japan-CARICOM relations and Japan-Barbados bilateral relations. The two ministers also shared views on the importance of building up various dialogues and reinforce relations.
(Reference)Basic data of Barbados

Barbados covers an area of approximately 430 square kilometers (about the same size as Tanegashima Island), and has a population of approximately 280,000 people (World Bank, 2023) and a gross national income (GNI) per capita of approximately 19,000 U.S. dollars (World Bank, 2022).


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