Japan-Costa Rica Foreign Ministers' Meeting (Press release)

[Judi Lynn]

April 24, 2025

On April 24, commencing at 6:00 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Arnoldo ANDRÉ, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Republic of Costa Rica, who is visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. H.E. Dr. Manuel TOVAR Minister of Foreign Trade of the Republic of Costa Rica also joined the meeting. Prior to the meeting, the two foreign ministers conducted a signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Establishment of a Political Consultation Mechanism between Japan and Costa Rica.

1. At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that this year marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the Japan- SICA (Central American Integration System) Friendship Year, and expressed his intention to promote dialogue at various levels with Costa Rica, which holds the presidency of SICA, considering that the Japan-Central America Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation will be held in the country in May.
   
   
2. Now, with the help of the above-mentioned mechanism, already signed by both ministers, Minister Iwaya expressed his will to foster relations with Costa Rica, an important partner with shared values and principles with Japan, by continuing dialogue at various level, amid the increasingly severe international environment.
   
   
3. In response, Minister André, reminding that this was his third visit to Japan, offered his congratulations on the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued support and cooperation in the arena of development and the international arena. Minister André also stated that he intends to further strengthen relations with Japan on the occasion of the 90th anniversary. Minister Tovar asked for Japan’s cooperation for Costa Rica’s early accession to the CPTPP and its chairmanship in the Ministerial Council Meeting of the OECD. The tree ministers confirmed that they would work closely together in these frameworks.
   
   
4. The three Ministers also exchanged views on regional and international situations. Minister Iwaya raised the issue of nuclear weapons and missiles of North Korea and asked for understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue by North Korea.

https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/pressite_000001_01206.html

(My bolding)