Starting today, I will visit Mexico, Panama, and Ecuador in Central and South America.
Additionally, depending on various circumstances, final arrangements are underway to also visit Trinidad and Tobago, one of the major countries in the Caribbean.
Now, collaboration with the countries of the Global South—which are increasingly gaining influence in the international community—and Central and South America, which form a key part of that group, is becoming even more important.
In May of this year, I visited Africa, which also holds a significant position within the Global South. As the first overseas trip of this summer, I have decided to visit Central and South America.
For Japan, Central and South America is an important partner in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Beyond just the countries I will visit this time, each nation has built a historical foundation of trust and a track record of cooperation.
Through this trip, I intend to promote cooperation toward strengthening energy security and building resilient supply chains, with the aim of forging more strategic partnerships.
We will also deepen collaboration toward realizing a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
: Toshimitsu Motegi
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan