Countries & Regions

From Monday, September 2, to Thursday, September 5, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, made an official visit to Brazil (Brasília and São Paulo). The overview of his visit is as follows.

 

(1) Foreign ministers’ meeting with H.E. Mr. Luiz Alberto Figueiredo Machado, Minister of External Relations, Federative Republic of Brazil; working lunch and joint press conference

 

(2) Informal talks with Nikkei members of Congress 

The Foreign Minister held informal talks with Nikkei lower house members and a Nikkei judge, and expressed his expectation that they would continue to cooperate with Japan in developing bilateral relations as Japan-Brazil bridge-builders.

 

(3) Informal talks with representatives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Brazil and the Nikkei companies

Representatives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Brazil, who are at the forefront of business, explained to the Foreign Minister about business activities of Nikkei companies in Brazil. He also exchanged views with them on Brazil’s potential in various sectors and challenges in  developing the business environment.

 

(4) Informal talks with Japanologists 

The Foreign Minister discussed with Japanologists active in various fields, including a distinguished manga artist, an industrialist, a Nikkei state Assembly member, and the Chairman of the Brazilian Confederation of Baseball and Softball. They also discussed matters such as strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, and cultural and sport exchanges. 

 

(5) Informal talks with Nikkei groups representatives

The Foreign Minister exchanged views on challenges faced by the Nikkei community and people-to-people exchanges with representatives from the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance, Nippo-Brazilian Beneficence of São Paulo, Federation of the Associations of Provinces of Japan in Brazil, Cultural Alliance Brazil Japan, Center of Information and Support to the Overseas Workers.

 

(6) Reception hosted by Nikkei groups

The Foreign Minister attended a welcome reception hosted by key Nikkei groups. In his speech, the Foreign minister referred to the important role played by the Nikkei community in Brazilian society and the development of Japan-Brazil relations in various sectors as Brazil’s growth in recent years. He also expressed his expectation toward further advances in bilateral exchanges in the context of the Soccer World Cup next year, the 2016 Olympic and Paralympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, etc.

 

(7) Other

The Foreign Minister visited the Mausoleum of Pioneers of Japanese Immigration in Ibirapuera Park and laid flowers, and visited the Japanese Pavilion, the Historical Museum of Japanese Immigration in Brazil and a Nikkei farm, etc.