Press Releases
Japan-Portugal Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
September 11, 2025
On September 11, commencing at 10:00 a.m. for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Paulo RANGEL, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic, who is visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister IWAYA expressed his sympathies on the severe damage caused by the recent large-scale wildfires in Portugal as well as the tragic cable car incident occurred in Lisbon. He also highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two countries since the 16th century and expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral relations in a wide range of areas, including the economy, security, and culture. In response, Foreign Minister Rangel expressed his pleasure at being able to visit Japan for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and stated his intent to collaborate with Minister IWAYA on Japan-Portugal relations, regional situations, and various international issues.
- The two Ministers also referred to last year's exchange of memorandums of cooperation between their respective aid agencies concerning Portuguese-speaking countries and aid coordination, emphasizing the importance of bilateral collaboration.
- In addition, the two Ministers confirmed that Japan and Portugal will cooperate on various issues of the international community, including the situation in Ukraine, the Middle East, and East Asia, such as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.