Press Releases

At the outset, Vice-Minister ERI noted that last year marked the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Panama, which witnessed significant progress in the bilateral relations. She added that this year, the “Japan-SICA Friendship Year,” Japan hopes to expand the momentum for strengthening relations with Panama – currently holding the Central American Integration System (SICA) presidency – throughout the region.
Both sides confirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, focusing on the cooperation in ensuring a safe and stable environment for the use of the Panama Canal, bilateral cooperation that contributes to Panama’s economic and social development, and cooperation to maintain and strengthen the international order, including the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”. In this context, Foreign Minister MARTINEZ-ACHA expressed his support for FOIP. They also affirmed their intent to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and SICA in this year’s “Japan-SICA Friendship Year”.

On July 22, Vice-Minister Eri attended a dinner with H.E. Mr. Javier MARTINEZ-ACHA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama.
At the beginning of the dinner, both sides engaged in candid discussions on cooperation in the international arena, including within the UN Security Council, as well as on regional issues such as the situation in East Asia and the vision for a FOIP. In the meeting, Vice-Minister ERI asked for Foreign Minister MARTINEZ-ACHA’s understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue and gained the support.

On the same day, Vice-Minister Eri paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Ricaurte VASQUEZ, Administrator of the Panama Canal Authority.
Vice-Minister ERI, noting the close maritime relations between Japan and Panama, stressed the importance of ensuring the safe and stable environment for the use of the Panama Canal and exchanged views on cooperation to strengthen the canal’s functions.
Administrator VASQUEZ provided an overview of the current use and management of the Panama Canal and expressed his hope to continue working together, including on initiatives to enhance the canal’s capabilities.

In addition, Vice-Minister ERI held an exchange of views with representatives of Japanese companies operating in Panama and visited the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Panama Canal and the Panama Metropolitan Area Urban Transportation Line-3 Development Project’s site.