On December 16, the Inter-American Dialogue, in partnership with the Japan Association of Latin America and the Caribbean, held a public meeting titled “Toward Pandemic Recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean—Exploring New Dimensions of Japan-US-LAC Interregional Cooperation,” to consider prospects for enhanced Latin American, Caribbean, Japanese, and US collaboration in support of regional recovery and sustainable development.
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono visited Latin America Aug. 11-19, with stops in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Mexico. Kono’s priorities during the trip were strengthening economic cooperation and trade ties with the region, particularly the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and seeking support on diplomatic issues, including those related to North Korea, NHK reported. What did he accomplish during his tour? Where are Japan-Latin America relations headed? Does Japan have a clear and coherent strategy in Latin America? Which sectors and countries in the region are of greatest importance for Japan, and what is driving that interest?
On October 17, the Inter-American Dialogue, JALAC, COMEXI, COMCE, and the Embassy of Japan in Mexico, held a public meeting to examine developments in Japan’s long-standing relationship with Mexico.
For decades, Japan has been an important trading partner, lender, investor, and provider of official development assistance in Latin America and the Caribbean.
