Press Releases
Japan-Ecuador Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
July 23, 2025
On July 23, commencing at 6:00 p.m., Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting (for approximately 30 minutes) and working dinner (for approximately 90 minutes) with H.E. Ms. Gabriela SOMMERFELD, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of the Republic of Ecuador, who is paying a visit to Japan, as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Iwaya welcomed Minister Sommerfeld's visit to Japan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and expressed his desire to further strengthen relations with Ecuador, a partner that shares values and principles, that will celebrate the 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2028. In response, Minister Sommerfeld expressed her gratitude for the heartfelt welcome during her visit to Japan and her desire to further develop the relationship between the two countries.
- Minister Iwaya welcomed the foreign policy of the President Noboa’s administration, which emphasizes international cooperation, and its liberal economic policy. Minister Iwaya also noted the contribution of Japanese companies to investment and job creation in Ecuador, and requested the continued development of the business and investment environment in the country. Furthermore, Minister Iwaya referred to Japan’s cooperation with Ecuador in the areas such as internal security, disaster prevention, and energy, stating his intention to support Ecuador's efforts. In response, Minister Sommerfeld expressed her gratitude for Japan’s significant cooperation and her desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas such as trade, investment and security cooperation.
- The two ministers confirmed their intention to work closely together in the international arena and also exchanged views on the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East, and also on the situation in East Asia such as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue. Minister Iwaya asked Minister Sommerfeld for her continued understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue. Minister Sommerfeld expressed her support and solidarity.