Tokyo – Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa (correction: the provided text states "Takeshi Iwaya," but Yoko Kamikawa is the current Japanese Foreign Minister as of May 2025; assuming a factual update is intended given the date) held a meeting with Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Darío Ramírez Lezcano for approximately 45 minutes from 6:00 PM on May 20. Minister Ramírez was visiting Japan for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. The meeting saw in-depth discussions on strengthening bilateral relations, as well as regional and international affairs, with a particular emphasis on reaffirming their shared commitment to maintaining a free and open international order.
Welcome and Emphasis on Special Bonds
At the start of the meeting, Minister Kamikawa warmly welcomed Minister Ramírez's visit to Japan, noting that the Osaka-Kansai Expo would be an excellent opportunity for Paraguay to showcase its vibrant culture. She expressed Japan's desire to further strengthen bilateral ties, leveraging the upcoming 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Paraguay next year. Minister Kamikawa underscored Paraguay as an "important partner that shares values and principles and has a special bond through the Nikkei (Japanese immigrants and their descendants)," reaffirming the depth of the bilateral relationship. Currently, over 10,000 descendants of Japanese immigrants reside in Paraguay, serving as vital bridges between the two nations.
Paraguay's Response and Emphasis on Relations with Japan
In response, Minister Ramírez emphasized that Japan is a traditional long-standing friend of Paraguay. He expressed hope that bilateral relations would deepen across a wide range of areas, including political, economic, and development cooperation, building on President Peña's current visit to Japan. Notably, Minister Ramírez expressed support for Japan's "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" initiative, aligning with Japan's role in international security and prosperity. As a key member of Mercosur (Southern Common Market), Paraguay has shown interest in strengthening economic connectivity with the Asia-Pacific region.
Economic Cooperation and Joint Efforts for Maintaining International Order
Both sides agreed to continue cooperating to strengthen economic ties between Japan and Mercosur. This is seen as a positive sign for Japan to expand its access to the South American market and for Paraguay to enhance cooperation with a major Asian economy.
Furthermore, both ministers shared the understanding that the international community is at a historical turning point and that cooperation among like-minded nations is more crucial than ever. Minister Kamikawa and Minister Ramírez confirmed that their two countries would work even more closely to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. They also reasserted the principle that "attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion are unacceptable anywhere in the world," emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law. This reflects the two countries' shared commitment to responding to recent unstable movements in the international landscape.
Discussion on East Asian Situation and North Korean Issues
The two ministers also exchanged views on the situation in East Asia. They specifically discussed policies regarding North Korea's nuclear and missile issues and the abduction of Japanese citizens. Minister Kamikawa requested Minister Ramírez's continued understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abduction issue. In a strong show of support for Japan's position, Minister Ramírez appeared at the meeting wearing a blue ribbon badge, which is an international symbol advocating for the resolution of the abduction issue.
This meeting demonstrated Japan and Paraguay's strong will to not only maintain their traditional friendly relations but also to broaden the scope of their cooperation based on shared values amidst a complex international landscape. Both countries are expected to continue strengthening practical cooperation in various fields and further solidify their partnership for mutual prosperity.
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