G7 Foreign Ministers Discuss Ukraine and Defense Cooperation in Niagara
(Overview of the “Session 2: Ukraine and Defense Cooperation”)
On November 13, Minister for Foreign Affairs MOTEGI Toshimitsu participated in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Niagara, Canada, attending the session on “Ukraine and Defense Cooperation.” The session, lasting approximately 50 minutes, was attended by the Foreign Ministers of the G7 nations, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
During the meeting, the G7 reaffirmed solidarity with Ukraine and reiterated their commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace. Minister Motegi reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering support for Ukraine and emphasized Japan’s role in reconstruction and economic recovery through industrial promotion and public-private partnerships. He also noted Japan’s leadership in advancing demining efforts, referencing the recent Ukraine Mine Action Conference hosted by Japan.
The discussions concluded with the G7’s collective agreement to continue coordinated efforts supporting Ukraine’s defense and recovery while ensuring regional stability and long-term resilience.
State Minister HORII Iwao Represents Japan at Bolivian Presidential Inauguration
From November 8 to November 11, State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII Iwao visited the Plurinational State of Bolivia as Ambassador on Special Mission to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Rodrigo Paz Pereira. The ceremony was attended by leaders and dignitaries from across Latin America, including the Presidents of Argentina, Paraguay, Ecuador, Chile, and Uruguay, along with the Deputy Secretary of State of the United States, Christopher Landau.
Following the ceremony, Ambassador HORII attended a luncheon hosted by President Paz, strengthening Japan’s diplomatic outreach with various nations. During his courtesy call on November 10, HORII handed President Paz a personal letter from Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, congratulating him on his inauguration and expressing the wish to enhance Japan-Bolivia ties. The discussion highlighted the 110th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 125th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Bolivia in 2024, alongside Bolivia’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai.
President Paz thanked Japan for its longstanding cooperation and emphasized his administration’s commitment to engaging with the international community, considering Japan an important partner. Both sides agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as development aid, business environment improvement, and support for the Nikkei community in Bolivia.
Ambassador HORII also met Vice President Edman Lara Montaño and Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo Carrasco, congratulating them on their appointments and reaffirming Japan’s intention to advance cooperation in development, economics, and cultural exchange. The meetings underscored shared interests in enhancing bilateral and multilateral relations.
Visits to Japanese Settlements in Bolivia
On November 9, Ambassador HORII visited the San Juan and Okinawa Japanese settlements in Santa Cruz Department. He paid tribute at memorial sites, visited cultural and historical museums, and met leaders of Nikkei organizations including the San Juan Japan-Bolivia Association and the Federation of Japanese Associations in Bolivia. He commended the community’s contributions toward strengthening mutual understanding and expressed hope for their continued role as a bridge between Japan and Bolivia.
HORII also engaged with representatives of Japanese companies, language schools, and associations in La Paz and Santa Cruz to discuss ongoing challenges and the promotion of Japanese language education and business opportunities in Bolivia.
Japan Welcomes Peaceful Iraqi Parliamentary Elections
Japan expressed appreciation for the successful and generally peaceful conduct of the sixth elections for the Iraqi Council of Representatives held on November 11. Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro issued a statement welcoming the elections and expressing Japan’s hope that the process of confirming results will proceed fairly, peacefully, and promptly. Japan anticipates the swift formation of a new administration that will foster further stability and development in Iraq, underscoring its continued support for the country’s democratic progress.