Press Releases
State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII's Visit to Spain
Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited Spain from November 2 to 6, where he attended the meetings within the framework of the 30th Ibero-American Summit and exchanged views with high-level officials from various countries and international organizations. Following the train collision that occurred in the province of Toledo in central Spain on October 28, State Minister HORII also engaged in efforts on the ground to assist Japanese nationals.
1. Attendance at the meetings within the framework of the 30th Ibero-American Summit
- On November 3, State Minister HORII attended and delivered a speech at the High-Level Political Dialogue with Associate and Consultative Observers of the Ibero-American Conference, held within the framework of the 30th Ibero-American Summit.
- In his speech, he noted that, given the current international situation, it is necessary for each country to develop sufficient autonomy and resilience in order to safeguard a principles-based international order. He also stated that, under the updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” framework and Japan’s new diplomatic policy guidelines toward Latin America and the Caribbean—announced by Minister MOTEGI on his visit to the region—Japan will strengthen its cooperation with Ibero-American countries.
2. Measures to Assist Japanese Nationals Following the Train Collision in the Province of Toledo, Central Spain
On November 5, State Minister HORII visited the site of the train collision that occurred on October 28 in Spain’s central province of Toledo and laid flowers on behalf of the Japanese government to express condolences to the victims, which include two Japanese nationals. He also held individual meetings with H.E. Mr. José Manuel ALBARES BUENO, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain; Mr. Diego MARTÍNEZ BELÍO, State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain; and Ms. María de la Mercedes GONZÁLEZ FERNÁNDEZ, Director General of the Guardia Civil, in which he requested their continued full cooperation regarding the two Japanese nationals who lost their lives and their bereaved families, and conveyed his sympathies to those who were injured.
3. Meetings with high-level officials from various countries and international organizations
(1) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Andrés ALLAMAND ZAVALA, Ibero-American Secretary-General (November 3)
State Minister HORII had a meeting with Ibero-American Secretary-General ALLAMAND. State Minister HORII stated that, under the updated FOIP and Japan’s new diplomatic policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean announced by FM MOTEGI this summer, Japan aims to promote cooperation so that Japan and the Ibero-American countries can be more resilient and prosperous together. The two sides agreed to promote cooperation, particularly in the areas of disaster risk reduction and prevention and disaster response.
(2) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Carlos Ramiro MARTÍNEZ ALVARADO, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Republic of Guatemala (November 3)
State Minister HORII had a meeting with Minister MARTÍNEZ. State Minister HORII stated that, under the updated FOIP and Japan’s new diplomatic policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean announced by FM MOTEGI this summer, he aimed to work towards further strengthening relations with Guatemala, an important ‘strategic partner’ with which Japan shares values and principles. Foreign Minister MARTÍNEZ stated that Guatemala place importance on values and principles such as democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, and recognized the FOIP based on these values and principles. Both sides agreed to promote their cooperative relationship, including in international forums.
(3) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Albert R. RAMDIN, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS) (November 4)
State Minister HORII had a meeting with Secretary-General of the OAS RAMDIN. State Minister HORII stated that, under the updated FOIP and Japan’s new diplomatic policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean announced by Minister MOTEGI this summer, Japan aims to work together with the OAS so that both Japan and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean can be more resilient and prosperous together. Secretary General RAMDIN expressed his gratitude for Japan's assistance to Haiti through the OAS. Both sides agreed to advance cooperation through close communication on both bilateral cooperation projects between Japan and individual countries and projects to be carried out in collaboration with the OAS.
(4) Meeting with Mr. Diego MARTÍNEZ BELÍO, State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain（November 4）
State Minister HORII held a meeting with State Secretary MARTÍNEZ and welcomed the progress in cooperation and exchanges between the two countries in the fields of security and defense, economy, science and technology, and culture, and expressed his respect for Spain's leadership as the host country of the 30th Ibero-American Summit. State Secretary MARTÍNEZ expressed appreciation for State Minister HORII's participation in the Ibero-American Summit and stated that he hopes to strengthen relations with Japan, particularly in the fields of security, defense, science and technology. The two sides confirmed that Japan and Spain, which are strategic partners sharing values and principles, will further strengthen their coordination, including in multilateral fora.
(5) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Paulo RANGEL, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal（November 4）
State Minister HORII expressed his hope to expand cooperation with Portugal across a wide range of areas, including security and defense as well as economy, to further deepen the bilateral relationship, which was elevated to a "Strategic Partnership" during Prime Minister Luís MONTENEGRO ’s visit to Japan last year. State Minister HORII also stated Japan’s intention to work in close coordination with Portugal, which will serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council starting next year. Foreign Minister RANGEL expressed his hope to deepen cooperation with Japan, particularly in fields such as the blue economy, renewable energy, and digital transition, and stated that strengthening relations with Japan in the fields of defense and security is a matter of high priority. Furthermore, the two sides exchanged views on the international situation and concurred that the two countries would cooperate in addressing various challenges facing the international community.
4. Meetings with government leaders and others
In addition, State Minister HORII attended a welcome reception hosted by the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, the opening ceremony of the 30th Ibero-American Summit and Foreign Ministers’ Lunch, where he held informal talks with high-level officials from various countries and international organizations.
5. Meetings with member companies of the Japan-Spain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Spain Nissho)
State Minister HORII held a meeting with member companies of the Japan-Spain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Spain Nissho). Since investment by Japanese companies in Spain is the largest among Asian countries, they exchanged views on new opportunities and challenges as seen from the business front lines in Spain, Portugal, and Europe more broadly.
(Reference) High-level officials from various countries and international organizations who held meetings and talks with State Minister HORII
(Europe) H.E. Mr. José Manuel ALBARES BUENO, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain; H.E. Luis PLANAS PUCHADES, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain; H.E. Diego MARTÍNEZ BELÍO, State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain; H.E. Mr. Paulo RANGEL, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal; H.E. Ms. Imma TOR FAUS, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Andorra; H.E. Ms. Éléonore CAROIT, Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships and French Nationals Abroad, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France
(Latin America) H.E. Dr. César Bernardo ARÉVALO DE LEÓN, President of the Republic of Guatemala; H.E. Ms. Laura Virginia FERNÁNDEZ DELGADO, President of the Republic of Costa Rica; H.E. Mr. Carlos Ramiro MARTÍNEZ ALVARADO, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Republic of Guatemala; H.E. Mr. Alfonso Carlos ESPÁ Y GARCÉS-ALVEAR, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru; H.E. Ms. Ana Elena PINTO LIZANO, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica; H.E. Mr. Javier Eduardo MARTÍNEZ-ACHA VÁSQUEZ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama; H.E. Mr. Mauro Luiz Iecker VIEIRA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil; H.E. Mr. Roberto VELASCO ÁLVAREZ, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico; H.E. Ms. Alexandra HILL TINOCO, Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador; H.E. Mr. Héctor Francisco HUANCA GUTIÉRREZ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia; H.E. Mr. Roberto KURY PESANTES, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador; H.E. Mr. Oliver BLANCO, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Venezuela; H.E. Mr. Omar BULA ESCOBAR, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia; and H.E. Mr. Pablo QUIRNO, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of the Argentine Republic; H.E. Ms. Mireya AGÜERO DE CORRALES, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Honduras; H.E. Mr. Víctor Orlando BISONÓ HAZA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic; H.E. Mr. Mario LUBETKIN, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay
(Asia) H.E. Mr. Pabitra MARGHERITA, Minister of State for External Affairs of India; H.E. Mr. Levent GÜMRÜKÇÜ, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye
(International Organization) H.E. Mr. Andrés ALLAMAND ZAVALA, Ibero-American Secretary-General; H.E. Mr. Albert R. RAMDIN, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS)