Press Releases
Japan-Guatemala Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
June 11, 2025
On June 11, commencing at 11:10 a.m., Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Carlos Ramiro Martínez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala, who is visiting Japan, for approximately 35 minutes. The overview is as follows. Prior to the meeting, the two ministers signed the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Diplomatic Training between Japan and Guatemala.
- At the outset, Minister Iwaya welcomed Minister Martínez’s visit to Japan and expressed his pleasure that their two countries’ leaders were able to sign a joint statement on June 10 to elevate bilateral relations to a “Strategic Partnership” and confirm their shared positions and cooperation as like-minded countries. Minister Iwaya also stated that this year marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Guatemala, as well as the Japan-SICA (Central American Integration System) Friendship Year, and expressed his desire to further strengthen the relations between the two countries. In response, Minister Martínez expressed his gratitude for Japan’s warm welcome and pleasure as the President's participation in the National Day of the Osaka-Kansai Expo and yesterday's summit meeting were a proof of the importance Guatemala places on its relationship with Japan. He added that Guatemala wishes to further cooperate with Japan based on their "Strategic Partnership," and that the President's visit to Japan was very satisfactory.
- The two ministers welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Diplomatic Training and confirmed their commitment to further developing exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries. In addition, the two ministers agreed to continue multilayered dialogues between the two countries, including the possibility of high-level dialogue between Japan and the SICA member countries, taking advantage of the Japan-SICA Friendship Year 2025.
- The two ministers welcomed the flow of investments by Japanese companies into Guatemala. Minister Iwaya also welcomed Minister Martínez’s attendance at the National Day of Osaka-Kansai Expo, and expressed his expectation that Guatemala’s participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo would promote understanding and exchanges between the peoples of both countries.
- The two Ministers exchanged views on the issues in East Asia, such as their policies toward North Korea including nuclear, missile and abductions issues, and on cooperation in the international arena. Minister Iwaya asked for Minister Martínez 's continued understanding and cooperation towards the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, to which Minister Martínez expressed his support and solidarity.