Foreign Minister Iwaya shaking hands with Judge Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)
On October 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from Judge Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), who is visiting Japan upon the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Mr. Horinouchi Hidehisa, Judge of ITLOS, was also present during the courtesy call.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
At the outset, Minister Iwaya expressed his pleasure in welcoming President Heidar and emphasized that Japan consistently attaches great importance to the “rule of law” at sea. He highlighted the need for the international community to strengthen the maritime order based on the rule of law within the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), especially in light of new challenges in the maritime sector.
Foreign Minister Iwaya talking with Judge Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)
Minister Iwaya also expressed his expectation for ITLOS to further enhance its role as a “guardian” of the maritime order under the leadership of President Heidar.
In response, President Heidar expressed gratitude for Japan’s support and contributions to ITLOS. He noted his high appreciation for Japan’s efforts in maintaining the international order based on the rule of law and affirmed that ITLOS will continue to cooperate with Japan.
Meta Description
On October 20, 2025, Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya received a courtesy call from ITLOS President Judge Heidar, discussing the importance of the rule of law at sea and strengthening maritime order under UNCLOS.