Press Releases
Japan-Paraguay Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
May 20, 2025
On May 20, commencing at 6:00 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes, Mr.IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Rubén Darío RAMÍREZ LEZCANO, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Paraguay, who was visiting Japan on the occasion of the Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the beginning, Minister Iwaya extended a warm welcome to Minister Ramírez, and expressed that he was pleased that the Osaka-Kansai Expo would provide an opportunity to showcase Paraguay's fascinating culture. He expressed his desire to further strengthen relations with Paraguay, an important partner that shares values and principles and has a special bond through Nikkei (Japanese immigrants and descendants), also taking advantage of the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Paraguay to be celebrated next year.
- In response, Minister Ramírez stated that Paraguay values its relations with Japan, a traditional longstanding friend, and hopes to use President Peña’s current visit to Japan as an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations in a wide range of areas, including politics, economy and development cooperation. Minister Ramírez also expressed his support for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” initiative.
- Both sides concurred in continuing to cooperate in strengthening economic ties between Japan and Mercosur.
- Both sides confirmed that at the time when the intenational community is at a historic turning point and cooperation among like-minded countries is more important than ever, the two countries will further work together to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. They also concurred that unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion is unacceptable anywhere in the world.
- The two ministers also exchanged views on the situation in East Asia, such as their policies toward North Korea on nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue. Minister Iwaya asked for Minister Ramírez’s continued understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and Minister Ramírez, who wore a blue-ribbon badge to the meeting, showed his support on Japan’s position.