Press Releases

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI met with Mr. Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and other matters. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI mentioned Japan's efforts to update the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" framework, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, depending on the current international situation where values and principles are being challenged. In response, Minister Lubetkin stated that both countries are important partners sharing values and principles such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and multilateralism, and expressed his desire to continue working closely to strengthen bilateral relations between Japan and Uruguay. Minister Lubetkin also stated that he would like to arrange for President Yamandú Orsi to visit Japan early next year. In addition, both sides exchanged views on regional affairs and agreed to continue cooperating to strengthen economic relations, with a view to Uruguay's ongoing accession process to the "Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)" and MERCOSUR, which Uruguay will chair in the second half of this year.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI attended the cultural event commemorating the 105th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Uruguay, co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay and the Embassy of Japan in Uruguay. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI delivered a speech at the beginning of the event, emphasizing the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries, the contributions of the Nikkei communities, and the cultural ties between the two countries. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lubetkin also delivered an opening speech at the event, referring to the history of bilateral friendly relations and the prospect of President Orsi's visit to Japan early next year.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI met with Mr. Carlos Negro, Minister of Interior of Uruguay, and exchanged views on deepening bilateral relations through cooperation between the two countries in the field of security, including the Japanese government's first assistance to Latin America through UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), and on regional affairs.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI met with Mr. Martin Vallcorba, Acting Minister of Economy and Finance of Uruguay, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral economic relations and other matters. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI mentioned Japan's efforts to update the FOIP framework, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, depending on changes in the international situation. In response, Acting Minister Vallcorba stated that both countries are important partners sharing values and principles, and expressed his desire to continue cooperating to strengthen bilateral economic relations. In addition, both sides agreed to continue cooperating to strengthen economic relations, with a view to Uruguay's ongoing accession process to the CPTPP and MERCOSUR, which Uruguay will chair in the second half of this year.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI paid a courtesy call on Ms. Carolina Cosse, Vice President of Uruguay, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and other matters. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI mentioned the update of FOIP and emphasized that both countries share essential values and principles such as the rule of law. In response, Vice President Cosse stated that both countries are important partners sharing values and principles, and expressed her desire to work closely to strengthen bilateral relations. After the courtesy call, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI visited the National Congress Building under the guidance of the Vice President.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI exchanged views with members of the Japan-Uruguay Parliamentary Friendship League on strengthening bilateral relations and other matters. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI mentioned the update of FOIP and emphasized that both countries share essential values and principles such as the rule of law. In addition, both sides agreed to strengthen exchanges between the two countries in all aspects, including politics, economy, and culture.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI hosted a luncheon meeting with representatives of Japanese companies operating in Uruguay and exchanged views on necessary initiatives for further improving the business environment in Uruguay, Japanese government support for companies, and Japan-Uruguay economic diplomacy.

In addition to the aforementioned meetings, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI visited Japan's economic cooperation sites and the Japanese Association Hall during her stay in Uruguay, laid flowers at the Japanese cemetery, and exchanged views with Japanese residents, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) officials, former Vice President Lucia Topolansky, and media and academic representatives.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri met with Mr. Rubén Ramírez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and other matters. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI mentioned the update of Japan's proposed FOIP under the current severe international situation, and expressed Japan's desire to further cooperate with Paraguay in key areas such as technological innovation through AI, resource energy, and economic security, based on values and principles such as democracy, the rule of law, and multilateralism. In response, Foreign Minister Ramirez stated that he totally agreed with Japan's efforts to update FOIP. He also stated that since Paraguay holds the MERCOSUR presidency in the first half of this year, he would like to continue cooperating to further strengthen relations between Japan and MERCOSUR. In addition, both sides exchanged views on regional affairs and cooperation in international arena.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI attended the ceremony for the resolution designating the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Paraguay as a "matter of national interest" in the Paraguayan Parliament and the commemorative stamp issuance ceremony. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI also delivered a speech at the ceremony, emphasizing that the significant contributions of the Nikkei communities to Paraguay have laid the foundation for the unwavering friendly relations between the two countries, and stated that the bilateral relationship, which has become a "strategic partner," will be further strengthened.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI exchanged views with Ms. Hermelinda Alvarenga, President of the Japan-Paraguay Upper House Friendship League, and Mr. Rodrigo Blanco, President of the Japan-Paraguay Lower House Friendship League, on strengthening bilateral relations and other matters. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI mentioned the update of FOIP and emphasized that both countries share essential values and principles such as the rule of law. In response, both presidents expressed their support for Japan's initiatives and gratitude for the 90 years of contributions by the Nikkei communities in Paraguay.

In addition to the aforementioned meetings, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI visited the Paraguayan Japanese Association and Japanese Immigration History Museum, as well as the Space Lab of the Paraguayan Space Agency, which Japan cooperates with, and exchanged views with Japanese residents, business representatives, JICA officials, and media representatives during her stay in Paraguay.