Press Releases
Foreign Minister MOTEGI's Attendance at the Reception Commemorating the 205th Anniversary of the Independence of Central America
On September 11, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended a reception commemorating the 205th anniversary of the independence of Central America, co-hosted by the Embassies of El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras in Japan. In addition, at the reception, Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, delivered a toast, and Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, also attended.
- At the outset, the Ambassador of Costa Rica to Japan, H.E. Ms. Sussi JIMÉNEZ, delivered remarks on behalf of the Central American countries. She stated that Japan, as a consistently reliable partner for over 90 years, holds a special place in Central American history, and expressed a wish to further deepen relations with Japan and to establish Japan as a strategic partner. She also expressed high regard for Japan’s vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).”
- Following this, Foreign Minister MOTEGI extended congratulations on the 205th anniversary of the independence of Central America on behalf of the Government of Japan. Recalling last year’s 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Central American countries, he emphasized the friendship that has been built while respecting each other’s cultures and diversity. Foreign Minister MOTEGI also noted that Japan and the Central American countries are now collaborating to address global challenges, including climate change, and stated that Japan is determined to work together with Central American countries to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Foreign Minister MOTEGI added that, under the evolved FOIP vision and grounded in strong friendship and trust, Japan will steadily advance initiatives to strengthen the “autonomy” and “resilience” of Central American countries.
(Reference)
In September 1821, the region comprising present-day Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras gained independence from Spain (each country subsequently became an independent nation). This year marks the 205th anniversary of that event. The embassies of the Central American countries in Japan hold a reception every September to commemorate the independence of Central America.