Press Releases
Japan-Panama Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
September 8, 2025
On September 8, commencing at 11:10 a.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with H.E. Mr. Javier MARTINEZ-ACHA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister IWAYA expressed his gratitude for the attendance at the National Day Event of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan by the President and Mrs. Mulino as well as by Minister Martinez-Acha.
- Minister IWAYA stated that stability and development in the Central American region is in the common interest of both Japan and Panama and expressed his willingness to further strengthen the relations between Japan and Central American countries, together with Minister Martinez-Acha, who is currently holding the presidency of the Central American Integration System (SICA), taking advantage of this year’s Japan-SICA Friendship Year 2025.
- Both ministers confirmed that Japan and Panama will further strengthen bilateral cooperation, including ensuring the safe and stable operating environment of the Panama Canal, of which Japan is the world’s third largest user, promoting bilateral cooperation including the utilization of Japanese technology, and advancing efforts to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).”
The two ministers also exchanged views 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 for continued understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and gained support from Minister Martinez-Acha.