State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII’s Visit to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, the Republic of Panama, the United Mexican States and the Republic of Ecuador

1. Visit to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay (Montevideo) (January 8 to 9)

Meeting with Ms. Carolina Cosse, Vice President

Luncheon Meeting with Mr. Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Breakfast Meeting with the representatives of Japanese companies and People of Nikkei
Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan hosted a breakfast meeting with the representatives of Japanese companies operating in Uruguay and People of Nikkei (Japanese immigrants and descendants). They exchanged views on necessary initiatives to further improve the business environment in Uruguay and strengthening cooperation with the Nikkei community.
Meeting with Ms. Gabriela Valverde, Acting Minister of Interior
State Minister HORII met with Ms. Gabriela Valverde, Acting Minister of Interior of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and exchanged views on deepening bilateral relations through cooperation between the two countries in the security sector.
Meeting with Mr. Martín Vallcorba, Acting Minister of Economy and Finance
State Minister HORII met with Mr. Martín Vallcorba, Acting Minister of Economy and Finance of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral economic relations.
State Minister HORII referred to the importance of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" and expressed his desire to cooperate to strengthen bilateral relations. He also congratulated Uruguay on the establishment of the CPTPP accession working group in November last year and stated his intention to continue discussions to maintain the high standards of the agreement.
In response, Acting Minister Vallcorba stated his commitment to supporting Japanese companies to further promote investment from Japan and strengthen bilateral economic relations, and his desire to continue cooperation in the international arena, including the CPTPP.
Meeting with Mrs. Csukasi, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs
State Minister HORII met with Mrs. Valeria Csukasi, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations.
State Minister HORII referred to the importance of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" and expressed his intention to work towards strengthening bilateral relations in a wide range of areas, including economic cooperation such as CPTPP and investment promotion, security cooperation, and cooperation in international arena.
In response, Undersecretary Csukasi expressed her desire to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Japan and Uruguay, which share fundamental values and principles, and to cooperate with Japan in the ongoing CPTPP accession process. She also stated her desire to continue close cooperation in international arena.
Meeting with Ms. Carolina Cosse, Vice President
State Minister HORII met with Mrs. Carolina Cosse, Vice President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations.
State Minister Horii referred to the importance of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" and emphasized that both countries share essential principles such as the rule of law. He also stated his intention to continue working towards strengthening bilateral relations through economic cooperation, including CPTPP and investment promotion, and security cooperation.
Vice President Cosse expressed her desire to cooperate in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Japan and Uruguay, and to cooperate with Japan in promoting investment from Japan and improving security in Uruguay.
Luncheon Meeting with Mr. Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs
State Minister HORII met with Mr. Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations.
State Minister HORII emphasized that this visit is part of efforts to build a strategic bilateral relationship with Uruguay. He also referred to the importance of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" and expressed his desire to further cooperate with Uruguay, which has upheld values and principles such as democracy, the rule of law, and multilateralism. He also stated his intention to work towards strengthening bilateral relations in a wide range of areas, including economic cooperation such as CPTPP and investment promotion, security cooperation, and cooperation in international arena.
In response, Minister Lubetkin expressed his desire to further strengthen the relationship between Japan and Uruguay, and to use the deeping of the relationship with Japan through the opportunity of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and the experience gained through that opportunity to deepen future bilateral relations. He also stated his intention to cooperate with Japan in the CPTPP accession process, to work towards promoting investment from Japan, and to continue cooperation towards further strengthening relations between Japan and MERCOSUR in the latter half of this year, when Uruguay holds the MERCOSUR presidency. He also stated his desire to continue close cooperation in the international arena.

2. Visit to the Republic of Panama (January 10)

Exchange of views with representatives of Japanese companies

Luncheon with Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha

Exchange of views with representatives of Japanese companies
State Minister HORII exchanged views with representatives of Japanese companies operating in Panama regarding necessary initiatives to improve the business environment in Panama and the potential for future public-private cooperation.
Luncheon with H.E. Mr. Javier Martínez-Acha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama
State Minister HORII exchanged views with H.E. Mr. Javier MARTINEZ-ACHA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama, at a luncheon hosted by Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha, discussing the strengthening of bilateral relations and regional and international affairs.
State Minister HORII expressed his satisfaction that bilateral relations have made significant progress in recent years, as exemplified by the successful visit to Japan by H.E. Mr. José Raúl Mulino Quintero, President of the Republic of Panama last year. State Minister HORII also emphasized that maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order and oceans based on the rule of law is a vital interest for both countries, which are maritime nations, and stated that he would like to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries.
In response, Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha welcomed State Minister HORII's visit and stated that Japan and Panama share the view that they work more closely together across a broad range of areas, including political, economic and cultural fields. From this perspective, Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha expressed his desire to further promote exchanges between the two countries and deepen discussions among relevant parties. Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha also expressed his support for Japan’s policies towardNorth Korea, including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.
Both ministers exchanged views on regional and international situations and agreed to cooperate in addressing various issues facing the international community.

3. Visit to the United Mexican States (from January 10 to January 14)

Meeting with Mr. Marcelo Luis Ebrard Casaubón, Secretary of Economy of the United Mexican States

Meeting with H.E. Mr. Juan Ramon de la Fuente Ramírez, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States

Visit to Mexico City
1. Meeting with representatives of the Mexico-Japan Association
  On January 11, State Minister HORII visited the Mexico-Japan Association, a Japanese descent community in Mexico City, and exchanged views with its representatives on measures for future cooperation with the Japanese descent community.
2. Exchange of views with representatives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mexico
  On January 11, State Minister HORII exchanged views with representatives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mexico about Mexico's business environment and future challenges.
3. Meeting with Ms. María Teresa Mercado Pérez, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States
  On January 12, State Minister HORII met with Ms. María Teresa MERCADO PÉREZ, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and other matters.
  State Minister HORII stated that he would like to promote exchanges between Japan and Mexico, including high-level dialogue, to deepen relations between Japan and Mexico. He also stated the importance of maintaining and enhancing legal stability and predictability to sustain and further expand Japanese investment in Mexico, and expressed his intention to collaborate toward further deepening bilateral cooperation.
  In response, Undersecretary Mercado stated that she wished to collaborate on promoting exchanges between Japan and Mexico, including high-level dialogue, to deepen bilateral relations. She also stated that it was important for Japan and Mexico to cooperate more closely in various fields such as politics, economics, and culture, and from this perspective, she expressed her expectation to work together to further promote exchanges between Japan and Mexico at various levels.
4. Meeting with Ms. Alejandra Del Moral, Executive Director, Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation
  On January 12, State Minister HORII met with Ms. Paulina Alejandra DEL MORAL VELA, Executive Director of the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation and other matters.
  State Minister HORII stated that he would like to promote exchanges between Japan and Mexico, including high-level dialogue, to deepen relations between Japan and Mexico. He also expressed his expectation to work towards further deepening international cooperation through Japan-Mexico collaboration, not only in bilateral cooperation.
  In response, Executive Director Del Moral expressed gratitude for Japan's cooperation, including the Japan-Mexico Partnership Program (JMPP), and stated her expectation to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and international cooperation.
5. Meeting with Mr. Alejandro Murat Hijonosa, Chairman of Senate Committee on Foreign Relations of the United Mexican States
  On the January 12, State Minister HORII met with members of Senate Committee on Foreign Relations of the United Mexican States, including its Chairman Mr. Alejandro MURAT HIJONOSA, and members of the committee, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and other matters.
  State Minister HORII stated that he would like to promote exchanges between Japan and Mexico, including high-level dialogue, to deepen relations between Japan and Mexico. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral economic relations.
  In response, Chairman Murat expressed his gratitude for the invitation from Japanese government last August. He also stated his intention, as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to cooperate in deepening relations between Japan and Mexico, including in the economic sphere.
6. Meeting with Mr. Marcelo Luis Ebrard Casaubón, Secretary of Economy of the United Mexican States
  On January 12, State Minister HORII met with Mr. Marcelo Luis EBRARD CASAUBÓN, Secretary of Economy of the United Mexican States, and exchanged views on bilateral relations, particularly bilateral economic relations.
  State Minister HORII stated that he would like to promote exchanges between Japan and Mexico, including high-level dialogue, to deepen relations between Japan and Mexico. He also mentioned the importance of the Japan-Mexico EPA and the CPTPP, and expressed his intention to work closely together to maintain the CPTPP's high standards. Furthermore, State Minister HORII stated the importance of maintaining and enhancing legal stability and predictability to sustain and further expand Japanese investment in Mexico.
  In response, Secretary of Economy Ebrard expressed his expectation to collaborate on promoting exchanges between Japan and Mexico, including high-level dialogue, to deepen bilateral relations. He also stated that Ministry of Economy of the United Mexican States would cooperate to further deepen economic relations between Japan and Mexico.
7. Exchange of views with economic experts
  On the January 12, State Minister HORII exchanged views with economic experts on strengthening economic relations between Japan and Mexico.
8. Meeting with H.E. Mr. Juan Ramon de la Fuente Ramírez, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States
  On January 14, State Minister HORII met with H.E. Mr. Juan Ramon DE LA FUENTE RAMÍREZ, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations.
  State Minister HORII stated that he would like to promote exchanges between Japan and Mexico, including high-level dialogue, to deepen relations between Japan and Mexico. He also expressed his intention to work together to further deepen bilateral economic relations and bilateral cooperation.
  In response, Secretary of Foreign Affairs De la Fuente stated his expectation to cooperate in promoting exchanges between Japan and Mexico, including high-level dialogue, to deepen bilateral relations. He also stated that it was important for Japan and Mexico to cooperate more closely in various fields and expressed, from this perspective, his expectation to further deepen bilateral economic relations and cooperation between Japan and Mexico.
Visit to Guanajuato State (from January 13 to January 14)
1. Meeting with Ms. Libia Dennise García Muñoz Ledo, Governor of Guanajuato State
  On January 13, State Minister HORII met with Ms. Libia Dennise GARCÍA MUÑOZ LEDO, Governor of Guanajuato State, and exchanged views on further strengthening relations between Japan and Mexico, particularly between Japan and Guanajuato State.
  During the meeting, State Minister HORII expressed gratitude for the cooperation provided by Governor García and the Guanajuato State government to Japanese companies operating in the Guanajuato State. He also asked continued cooperation to maintain and further expand investment by Japanese companies, including through improvements in public safety.
  Governor García stated her intention to continue cooperating to strengthen relations between Japan and Guanajuato State, as well as between Japan and Mexico.
2. Meeting with Mr. Héctor López SANTILLANA,　Director General of Guanajuato Puerto Interior
  On January 13, State Minister HORII, during his visit to Guanajuato Puerto Interior (GPI), met with Mr. Héctor López Santillana, Director General of Guanajuato Puerto Interior, and exchanged views on further strengthening economic relations between Japan and Mexico.
3. Exchange of views with representatives of the Association Nikkei de la region del Bajío
  On January 13, State Minister HORII met with representatives of the Association Nikkei de la region del Bajío and exchanged views on measures to future cooperation between the Japanese government and the Japanese-descendant community, including the upcoming National Nikkei Convention in Mexico scheduled for May, 2026.
4. Meeting with Ms. Alejandra GUTIÉRREZ CAMPOS, Mayor of León
  On January 13, State Minister HORII met with Ms. Alejandra Gutiérrez Campos, Mayor of León and exchanged views on further strengthening relations between Japan and Mexico, particularly between Japan and Guanajuato State.
  During the meeting, State Minister HORII expressed gratitude for support and cooperation by León City toward Japanese nationals, including the representatives of Japanese companies, residing in León City. He also asked continued cooperation to improve public safety and other conditions to maintain and further expand investments by Japanese companies.
  Mayor Gutiérrez welcomed the visit of State Minister HORII to León and stated her expectation to cooperate in strengthening relations between Japan and León, as well as between Japan and Mexico.
5. Exchange of views with representatives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mexico in Guanajuato
  On January 13, State Minister HORII exchanged views with representatives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mexico in Mexico about Mexico's business environment and future challenges.

4. Visit to the Republic of Ecuador (Quito) (January 14 to 15)

Meeting with Ms. Gabriela Sommerfeld, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility

Courtesy call on Ms. Maria Jose Pinto, Acting President

Meeting with Ms. Gabriela Sommerfeld, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility
On January 15, State Minister HORII met with Ms. Gabriela Sommerfeld, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of the Republic of Ecuador, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and other matters.
State Minister HORII stated that Ecuador is an important partner sharing common values and principles, and that the momentum for strengthening relations has further increased following last year's visits to Japan by President Noboa and Minister Sommerfeld.
In response, Minister Sommerfeld expressed her desire to collaborate to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and trade areas.
State Minister HORII also proposed establishing an Economic and Trade Committee as a regular forum for broad discussions on bilateral economic and trade issues. The Ecuadorian side supported this proposal, and it was decided that the details for establishing the committee would be coordinated at the working level going forward.
Furthermore, they exchanged views on cooperation in international arena and regional situations.
Courtesy call on Ms. Maria Jose Pinto, Acting President
On January 15, State Minister HORII paid a courtesy call on Ms. María José Pinto, Acting President of the Republic of Ecuador, and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations.
Minister HORII praised the Noboa administration's robust promotion of its foreign policy, which emphasizes international cooperation, and liberal and open economic policies. He stated that, at a time when the existing international order is shaken, cooperation with Ecuador, which shares values and principles, has become even more important.
In response, Acting President Pinto expressed her desire to deepen cooperation with Japan in various fields, including economy and trade.
Luncheon Meeting with the representatives of Japanese companies
On January 15, State Minister HORII exchanged views with representatives of Japanese companies operating in Ecuador regarding the business environment and future challenges in Ecuador.
Meeting with Ms.Alexia Alcivar, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade and Investment
On January 15, State Minister HORII met with Ms. Alexia Alcivar, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade and Investment of the Republic of Ecuador, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral economic relations.
State Minister HORII highlighted that Japanese companies are actively engaged in businesses such as shrimp farming, frozen broccoli production, and banana cultivation in Ecuador. He welcomed the deepening of bilateral economic relations through Japanese investment and job creation, while also pointing out the importance of improving the business environment to further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
In response, Vice minister Alcivar stated that Ecuador wishes to continue cooperation to further strengthen bilateral economic relations, including promoting investment from Japan.
State Minister HORII also proposed establishing an Economic and Trade Committee as a regular forum for broad discussions on bilateral economic and trade issues. The Ecuadorian side supported this proposal, and it was decided that the details for establishing the committee would be coordinated at the working level going forward.
Meeting with JICA volunteers and experts On January 15, State Minister HORII had a meeting with JICA volunteers and experts in Ecuador and exchanged views on their activities in Ecuador.

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