Press Releases
Japan-Sri Lanka Foreign Ministers' Meeting
September 30, 2025
On September 30, commencing at 1:15 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a bilateral meeting with Hon. Vijitha HERATH, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, who is accompanying the President of Sri Lanka visiting Japan as an official Guest of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Ms. IKUINA Akiko, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who visited Sri Lanka in February this year, also attended this meeting. The summary is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister IWAYA sincerely welcomed Foreign Minister Herath’s visit to Japan and stated that he hopes to strengthen security cooperation with Sri Lanka and develop cooperation in a wide range of fields under the "Comprehensive Partnership" based on the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries. Minister IWAYA also welcomed the provision of UAVs for monitoring, surveillance and disaster relief as the first project of OSA (Official Security Assistance) to Sri Lanka. In response, Foreign Minister Herath expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Japanese side and stated that he would like to further develop bilateral relations on a wide range of fields.
- Minister IWAYA stated that maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law is more important than ever, and expressed his intention to further cooperate toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” Minister IWAYA also stated that he hopes the two countries will work together to achieve regional stability and prosperity by strengthening cooperation in the security domain, including the provision of UAVs for monitoring, surveillance and disaster relief as the first project of OSA (official security assistance) to Sri Lanka. In response, Foreign Minister Herath expressed his gratitude for Japan's assistance in a wide range of areas, including debt restructuring.
- The two ministers also exchanged views on regional affairs such as policies toward North Korea, including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abduction issue, and cooperation in the international arena. Foreign Minister Herath expressed his understanding on the abduction issue.