Press Releases

On July 27, State Minister HORII paid a courtesy call on H.E. Ms. Keiko Sofia Fujimori Higuchi, President-elect of the Republic of Peru. State Minister HORII  expressed his heartfelt congratulations on her inauguration and stated that Japan and Peru are strategic partners sharing values and principles, with a friendly diplomatic relationship spanning over 150 years. He also expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations while supporting Peru's development. In response, President-elect Fujimori expressed her gratitude for Japan's past assistance to Peru and her expectation to cooperate with Japan as the new administration faces the major challenge of national reintegration.

On July 27, State Minister HORII met with Mr. Miguel Angel Torres Morales, President of the Congress, and Mr. Luis Arturo Alegria Garcia, President of the Peru-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League. State Minister HORII congratulated President Torres on his election and expressed his desire to cooperate for the further development of bilateral relations, and to continue promoting parliamentary exchanges, centered on the friendship leagues of both countries. President Torres and President Alegria expressed their hope that the activities of the friendship league would continue to be active, and also stated that Peru, in a moment of national reintegration, would like to continue to request Japan’s cooperation.

On July 28, State Minister HORII attended President Fujimori's inauguration ceremony as Ambassador on Special Mission. The inauguration ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the King of Spain, presidents from various Latin American countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, Ecuador, Chile, and Uruguay, and Mr. Christopher Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State. State Minister HORII also attended the luncheon hosted by the President after the inauguration ceremony, thereby deepening relations with dignitaries from various countries.

On July 29, State Minister HORII met with Mr. Sergio Diaz-Granados, Executive President of Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). State Minister HORII stated that Japan would like to continue close dialogue and deepen cooperation with CAF for the stability and prosperity of the Latin American region. In response, President Diaz-Granados stated that CAF would like to strengthen cooperation with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and to further strengthen close cooperation with Japan in the future.

On July 29, State Minister HORII visited the Peruvian Japanese Association and held a meeting with representatives of the association. State Minister HORII stated that the contributions of the Japanese community form an important foundation for the current excellent Japan-Peru relations, and also expressed his desire to continue close cooperation with the association under the Fujimori administration. In response, Ms. Rosa Nakamatsu, President of the Peruvian Japanese Association, expressed her pleasure at welcoming State Minister HORII again and stated their continued commitment to strengthening friendly and cooperative relations between Peru and Japan.

On July 29, State Minister HORII exchanged views with the representatives of Japanese companies operating locally regarding necessary initiatives to improve the business environment in Peru.

On July 29, State Minister HORII visited a fire brigade in Lima and inspected the operational status of the used ambulances donated under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project in 2017 FY and spoke with fire brigade officials.

On July 29, State Minister HORII met with JICA cooperation volunteers, experts and other relevant personnel. They exchanged views on their activities in Peru.

On July 31, State Minister HORII met with Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations, among other matters. State Minister HORII stated that, as an important partner sharing values and principles such as “freedom”, “democracy”, “human rights”, and “the rule of law”, Japan would further strengthen cooperation with Jamaica, including in the international arena, and emphasized that continuing high-level dialogue is extremely important to further enhance relations between Japan and Jamaica and the CARICOM countries. In response, Minister Johnson Smith expressed appreciation for Japan’s consistent support to Jamaica and the Caribbean region, stated her expectation for expanding bilateral cooperation under the J-J Partnership, and expressed her desire to work together in the international arena as well.

On July 31, State Minister HORII held informal talks with Ms. Shullette Cox, President of Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Mr. Richard Coe, Vice President of the Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association, and Mr. Wayne Chen, President of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation, exchanging views on the potential to promote economic exchanges between Japan and Jamaica.

On July 31, State Minister HORII met with JICA volunteers and exchanged views on their activities in Jamaica.

On July 31, State Minister HORII met with Professor The Hon. Gordon Shirley, President and CEO, Port Authority of Jamaica, and observed the Kingston Port Terminal. State Minister Horii stated that the development of the Port of Kingston, which functions as a leading logistics hub in the Caribbean and its surrounding areas is of great significance not only for logistics but also from the perspectives of investment promotion, industrial development, and job creation. In response, President Shirley expressed respect for Japan’s resilience and stated that the expansion of Japanese companies into Jamaica would bring mutual benefits.