During his visit to Gyeongju, South Korea, Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on October 30, 2025. The meeting, which lasted around 25 minutes, took place on the sidelines of the APEC Ministerial Meeting and focused on cooperation to strengthen global trade governance.
Focus on Multilateral Trade and WTO Reform
Minister Motegi began by thanking Dr. Okonjo-Iweala for her warm message congratulating him on his appointment as Japan’s Foreign Minister. He highlighted that Japan remains committed to a rules-based multilateral trading framework, emphasizing the central role of the WTO in maintaining global trade stability amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala expressed appreciation for Japan’s long-standing support of the WTO and its initiatives. She praised Japan’s role as a reliable partner advocating for fair and open trade, especially as the organization faces calls for reform to adapt to emerging challenges in digital trade, supply chains, and sustainability.
Shared Goals Ahead of WTO Ministerial Conference 2026
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work hand in hand on WTO reforms, aiming to make the organization more responsive and effective in addressing the needs of member countries. Their discussions also covered the upcoming Fourteenth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled for March 2026, which is expected to be a key milestone for advancing global trade reform and cooperation.
Minister Motegi emphasized that Japan will continue to actively participate in preparations for MC14 and support consensus-building among member nations. He also noted Japan’s focus on ensuring transparency and fairness in trade rules, which are essential for sustainable global economic growth.
Japan’s Role in Supporting Global Trade Stability
Japan has consistently positioned itself as a defender of free and open trade. Through its collaboration with the WTO and participation in regional frameworks such as APEC, Japan seeks to uphold the integrity of global trade systems. Minister Motegi’s meeting with Dr. Okonjo-Iweala reinforced Japan’s view that cooperation through established international institutions remains vital in tackling shared challenges like protectionism, economic inequality, and geopolitical tension.
The two leaders agreed to maintain close communication as the world economy continues to evolve. They acknowledged the importance of collective action to modernize trade rules, promote inclusivity, and ensure that all economies—developed and developing alike—benefit from globalization and fair market access.
Looking Ahead
As preparations for the WTO’s 2026 Ministerial Conference intensify, Japan and the WTO leadership are expected to play pivotal roles in driving reform discussions. Their shared vision for a balanced and transparent trading system reflects a broader international effort to restore confidence in multilateral cooperation.
The Gyeongju meeting underscored both nations’ commitment to open dialogue and pragmatic solutions for a more equitable global trade environment.